"In the company of Jesus, nobody knows where they're going." - Jason Upton
If you've been looking at my social media lately I'm sure you've wondered "what is that girl up to these days?" Social media is a funny thing, you have this ability to portray life in the way that you so desire. Be it the one picture of the day that was actually decent, like the lovely latte art of your mornings coffee, or the reality that your day was inexpressibly better than any photo captured. But then again I find myself asking, if I have the ability to direct the way the world views my journey- how much more impact do I have in the moment to moment choices my days hold. Let me explain.
You may have noticed my life is a little unlike the normal college graduate. I did the degree, I did the 8-5 job and God was very much a part of those chapters of my story but then one day he switched things up on me. A God of kept promises, I know that he is a Provider and that in His sweet timing my next commitment will come to fruition, be it a job, missions, or another opportunity. In the meantime:
It was in January that the Lord and I began to have a conversation about dreaming. You see, I didn't realize but I had always placed myself in this uncomfortable catch 22 of "God, I'll do whatever you want so let's not waste time figuring out my dreams because I don't know what they are any way-give me my assignment please." I didn't realize that the dreams within me are the touch of His hand. I also didn't realize how uncomfortable and religious I was choosing to be- I had taken the love out of it. I'm not made to be a puppet on a string- I'm made to live a life fueled by unquenchable love for my Savior. The Lord began speaking to me about how my dreams, my passions, are not an accident. "Travel" he said. To which I gave my "are you crazy?" expression as thoughts of irresponsibility began filling my head. A few days later I was east bound.
Since that day a few months ago- I've gotten lost in the North Carolina pines, I spent an afternoon nestled in driftwood while watching the seals play with the Olympic Mountains on the horizon, I've eaten delicious homemade Greek food in Kentucky, I rode a train along the coast and through the forests of Oregon, I went hiking in the mountains of California, I will kayak the bays of Alabama in a few short days, I drank coffee from Pike's Place while meandering the streets of Seattle, I've watched the sunrise over the ocean after waking up at 3 am just to do so, I've laughed till I cried around the dinner table in Indiana, and between each journey I've come home to a wonderful family in the cornfields of Illinois.
So, what's the point? I realized while driving back from my first trip nearly two months ago that God was at work again-healing, and breathing life into my dreams and long ago given up on. Dreams I'd had not seen come true causing me to shut off the desire to do so any longer. However, I was unaware of this sad choice I'd unconsciously made. God, in His love, wanted to reawaken my heart to the dreams stirring within me, the fire of my passions. The beautiful irony? This was all taking place and continues to take place as I do one of my loves-traveling. I was made for adventure. The feeling of a planes wheels leaving the ground and the unavoidable feeling of your stomach dropping leaves a cheesy grin plastered across my face every time. The moment of stepping onto the sidewalk of an unexplored city, the joy of getting lost in the mountains- nature leaving it's mark be it through sunburns, scratches, bruises, or squishy shoes from rock hopping and not quite making each intended destination. These moments are ones in which my heart has been challenged, dreams given permission to partner with God for the impossible.
I'm not saying I get it entirely but I do know that I'm on the journey of understanding how deeply and passionately God wants to partner with us in our dreams. He wants to remind us that he has empowered us not only in the big picture of dreaming with him but in the day to day moments. I want to encourage you to live- to embrace each day as it comes. Get up five minutes earlier and stare a little longer at the sunrise, take a walk on your lunch break, turn up your favorite song and dust off your dance moves, put down your phone and jot down a poem- do whatever it is that causes your heart beat to quicken, just a little, and then thank the Creator of that love so purposefully placed within you. Dare to dream again.
And never forget, God dreams bigger than you do. and of course, don't forget, get excited.
<the photo at the top was taken as my friend and I choose to get up on morning around three to drive a few hours to the beach to watch the sunrise over the water- never forget the power you have to make yours days great.>
