Hello!
About a week ago I had the amazing opportunity to go to boot camp in preparation for my trip in the fall. I had no idea that I could feel so at peace within such a new and uncomfortable environment. Within four days, the 40 people on my team that were once strangers began to feel like family. I truly believe that God hand-picked every person individually on my team for a purpose, and that was made very evident as everyone quickly became a little community.
At boot camp, we prepared both our hearts and bodies for what we might encounter on the race. From sleeping in tents and taking bucket showers all the way to morning team devotionals and joyful worship. I keep saying that being uncomfortable is where someone grows the most, and that is ringing true with each new opportunity I have been given throughout this process.
An area in particular that I believe God is encouraging me to grow in is humility. I have been given a constant reminder that nothing is truly about me. Everything is fully and completely for the glory of God. It takes a full surrender of self; in the way of thinking and acting to allow God’s glory to fully shine. A mentality of less of me and more of Him.
Something that I have begun to develop is an “I don’t care” mentality. This is not one that is hopeless or rooted in anguish, but rather an attitude that accompanies full surrender. An attitude that recognizes the differences in others, but chooses to celebrate those differences rather than mourn a lack of what someone else has. An attitude that is appreciative of the seconds they are living, rather than wishing they were with others in an effort to “not miss out.”
This is an attitude rooted in peace. An attitude that allows God to be seen in everything because He is the only thing that you are allowing fill your mind. It is re-prioritizing what is truly important.
With that being said, I am learning to daily surrender my life. I am learning to let go of comparison, and instead hold on to the only thing that matters.
I am so thankful for each opportunity that I have been given to continually go outside my comfort zone, and I cant wait to keep growing both in myself, and my friendships with the people on my team over the next year:)
Oh abby I live your heart! Iām so inspired by your wisdom and intentionally !! I can not wait to do life together so soon !
Great blog! The mentality you were talking about is so important to have!
Oh Abby, this is so beautiful to hear!! God truly picked you for a reason, you live through Him everyday!! You are an inspiration to study the Bible more and to truly be humble in God’s eyes????
Sorry Abby, not sure why my message added question marks at the end ??
The wisdom in this!!!
I’m reminded of how I would say, “This is just one more way to prepare you for what’s to come…” Haha. You are so right, though, in that oftentimes growth comes through uncomfortable situations. It’s a, “Be comfortable with the uncomfortable” kind of lifestyle. It’s a WILD life, but so so sweet. I’m thankful for you and can’t wait to get to know you more over the next year!
Your wisdom and heart continue to inspire me. I’m grateful for you and so excited to cheer you on in this next adventure. Love you. Dad š
Yes, full surrender! What a wonderful reminder! Lift those hands up high and praise Him! Keep the updates coming! Love hearing where your heart is and what inspires you! Where did your training take place?
Learning to truly value others as Jesus lived goes hand on hand with understanding life does not revolve around me. What a great start to you race experience.