Travel. Journey. Contend.

I'm currently sitting on a train from Charlotte to Raleigh. It's the most familiar place I've been in at least a month, probably longer. I'm back in travel mode for a few brief hours.

There wasn't much that was consistent on the Race, except feedback and travel day.
Long open stretches of road and air. Miles passesd. Towns flashed by. Houses lining the side of the road or tracks. Even those days looked different each time. 

We're moving steadily on the tracks, there's a rhythm. All sorts of people surround me speaking in different languages and accents (mostly English). 

Upgrades: air conditioning, sanitation, extra room and a known destination, home.  

I think the most familiar part of this moment is the peace that surrounds me when I'm on the move. Even though my squad was always around on the Race, I usually kept to myself on travel days. I am always able to get into a deep place of thought when travelling. I enjoy it. I don't need an iPod or computer…I've been "blessed," in a sense, to be without the latter for over a year now. There's just something about a plane, train or bus.

The sound. The motion. Rhythm. Peaceful scenery.
It puts my mind and body into a state of ease and relaxation. 

Travel day was the closest thing to alone time I would feel all month on the Race. And since I'm still living in community in Gainesville, that definitely rings true right now.

It's just me and the Lord 
and the steady movement forward of a journey. 

I've been thinking about my life this last week. Where I've come from and where I envision myself going. I'm so incredibly blessed by the Father.

I knew coming off the Race that there are still a lot of issues I have to work out. The Race didn't perfect me, but the Lord is and he’s doing a new thing. It's not about what I'm doing; it's about who I am becoming.
 
I specifically heard from the Lord that this season coming off of the Race would be one of "intense growth and spiritual encounter." And while I know that's the season I'm walking in right now and I couldn't be in a better location for it, I can't help but realize that the choice is still mine. I have the choice every moment to either tap into what the Lord has for me or not. I still struggle with the same day-to-day distractions I faced both before and during the Race. It's time to move beyond those distractions and focus in. My journey can potentially be one of tremendous growth and spiritual encounter or it can be stagnant…not eyeing the next peak or seeing the potential, the possibilities. The choice and risk is mine. I want to opt in and contend for everything the Lord has for me this season. Will you?