As a kid I would sit with my eyes glued out of the car window on our long trips up to Kansas to see my grandparents.I didn't need games, or a screen, or even music. I was/am completely satisfied staring out the window while on the road. Traveling captivates me.
In fact my job these days is literally to worship God, travel with a couple of my closest friends, and hang out with youth groups from all over! (It can't get much better than that!!) Growing up my youth group had the motto of "Connect, Grow, Go!" and no I can't get enough of the "go" part! But one key part of traveling has always been the toughest for me.. Coming home. There are 2 things that I think fuel my dislike for coming back. 1.I am exhausted. Being tired is such an easy target for the enemy to sneak in and provoke you to do things you normally would not do. You're irritable, you're weak and your guard is down. If you're tired I have some pretty simple but hard advice to follow, GO TO SLEEP!! The rest always helps and just recharges you. 2. They don't understand.. The best part of most journeys are the stories that come with them. Often I find myself retelling stories to people about my travels and I just can't help but feel that they don't get it.. Not that they don't care or that they aren't trying, it is just they weren't there so they could never fully connect to it. I feel like a puzzle piece and when I go on these trips I experience things and my shape changes, so when I come back home I don't quite fit back into my spot. I believe God uses traveling and trips as way to take us away from the norm and He builds us, so don't lose hope when it is hard coming home. Stay in constant prayer and don't be scared to share your experiences with some awesome people around you. BUT THERE IS HOPE! I am reminded of the story in Mark chapter 5 where Jesus calls the legion of demons out of the man and sends them into the pigs. (If you haven't read this story, it is very good and you should read it.) After the man is set free he begs to go with Jesus. Jesus replies, "No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." (Mark 5:1-2 emphasis mine) When I am on the road I could easily go and go and see more and just keep on traveling. But that is not what God has called me to. He has called me to go for short periods, plant seeds, and come home. As much as I feel trapped at times I think God wants me to tell my stories and share what is going on with fellow believers. Maybe my mom needs to hear the stories, maybe my neighbor, or even a clerk at a gas station. Whatever the purpose, I am here. God has intentionally placed me here with my abilities for some purpose. I don't think I need to know the reason I just need to walk obediently. If we all have our eyes on the ends of the earth, what will come of our home?
3 Comments
8/21/2014 02:57:58 am
Great observations. Yes, there is always hope. Praying for you as you are yet again decompressing/readjusting from your last trip. Love seeing the growth in you. And I hope you keep writing! Love hearing your stories.
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Laney Beard
8/21/2014 04:41:23 am
I really relate to not wanting to come home. I've gone on several trips with the youth group and they are such amazing experiences. (Like Tanglewood) It is so easy to just leave camp at camp. When I get home, it's difficult not to just slip back into routine and not change anything at all. I've begun to realize that has happened in the past and I'm not allowing it to happen anymore!
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a
8/21/2014 10:35:24 am
Keep telling your story. =)
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AuthorMy name is Andrew Berry! I am just living my life chasing after Jesus and trying to point others to Him. Archives
January 2017
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