I am learning that ministry and life with the Lord requires having a constant open mind to anything that the Lord is setting in front of me. Let me give an example how this has shown up in the race so far.

Last week, I was asked to be on logistics. Accepting this role would mean that two other squad mates and I would be in charge of getting people through the airport, doing the research and making sure everyone gets visas, booking hostels when needed, and things of the sort. When I first was presented with the opportunity, I was overwhelmed. There was a loss in understanding as to why I would be picked, but knowing the various roles were heavily prayed over, I brought my thoughts and feelings before the Lord. In this time God showed me that in Him we have nothing to worry about, so why be overwhelmed. If this is true it is good and acceptable to hold everything loosely, because God always provides. I accepted the logistics role in excitement to see how the Lord will show up behind the scenes this year. 

Fast forward half a week, and my squad (j squad) was supposed to go on an overnight hiking trip up Mt. Yonah. It was not until the night before that the logistics team was told that we were going to be the people leading the trip. It could have been seen as stressful, but keeping an open mindset and a true hope of knowing that everyone will make it up, we had the freedom to enjoy the hike. It was challenging, and our muscles were screaming, but we learned how to keep everyone together and encourage each other. We did, in fact, make it to the top. The saying “hard work always pays off” was absolutely true in this scenario. The views were incredible. The sunset was glorious. The starts twinkled so wonderfully. The people sat in awe. Our newfound family talked and laughed and did some improv. What a delightful and truly enjoyable time! 

Just a funny tidbit, the next morning we had bagels and peanut butter in a bag. The question became, “how do you get peanut butter out of a bag without it getting everywhere”? Life tip: cut a corner and pipe it onto the bagel. Just image it being 5:30 am, dark, and us just piping peanut butter. Yes, it was a laughable 30 minutes. 

Anyway, the Lord gives joy as we walk in the openness of His Spirit, and I believe He delights over us when we use what He has given us. If we apply those things to the opportunities He puts in front of us, good things will come of the situation. An open heart and mind always leads to something beautiful. In this case, it was the view and the fellowship that made the hike worth it all.