This last week a few of us got to spend time on Crete an island of Greece, slow down and celebrate the year. A mixture of rest, beach time, shops and adventures. During my time there I began to think a lot more about home and reflect on the year. Lots of questions came to mind…How will I handle being home? Am I excited? Will I be sad? Man I am gonna miss this life. What will I do when a certain situation occurs? How will I answer everyone’s questions. Will people listen? Will I want to travel more? What if I don’t talk as much? These are good questions to reflect on.
But, I then began to have “spirally” thoughts like did I even learn anything this year? Will my squad stay in contact with one another? Did I make any friends? Will anyone reach out? Have I even grown? Etc. These quickly became negative and shamey.
I sat there with the Lord that morning on the balcony of our Air B&B in Chania. Just Me, the Lord, my cup of coffee and my thoughts. So many of them…
God and I chatted—
He whispered to me, “you know my voice, and some of these thoughts are not from me.”
God- “I am the Good Shepherd, you are my sheep, you hear my voice and follow it. My sheep “know,” my voice. You know the enemy comes to steal kill, and destroy but I come to bring life and life abundantly. Do these thoughts bring life? No, you are being very self critical. Don’t let the enemy take away what is a huge testament to me.
Again He said “My daughter, you know my voice.”
Me- You’re right, I do know your voice as I smiled big looking out at Crete.
After that I told God that this year is a lot to process all at once and I do not know what to do or what to think? Like what do I even do once I’m home?
Our conversation continued
God- “you know what you think?”
I said “What?”
God- “You think about whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things??.”
God- “I want you to think about these kinds of things regarding this past year, not all the what ifs or could haves.”
Me- “Okay, then what do I do?”
God- “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and my peace will be with you.” You have learned, received, heard and seen so much this year. And you know what? You just get to take those things home and practice them. Simple, just abide in my love.
Immediately I was met with peace. Gods peace that surpasses understanding. My mind calmed down and I had joy in my heart about the year.
A lot of Gods words in this conversation came from scripture. Specifically once I looked them up Philippians 4:8-9, John 10 and John 15. Many of these scriptures I read on the race. I know God likes to speak through his Word. That is something that has become more clear to me this year. Gods voice. He speaks through many things, but one way you can know for sure it’s Gods voice is if it’s scripture breathed. So, you may think I’m crazy, but God likes and wants to speak to us. We just have to be humble enough to listen.
Yesterday, we arrived in Atlanta, Georgia. It has been 11 months since I’ve set foot on US soil. Wow, what a year it’s been. Thank you God!!! We now begin a week of debrief at the WorldRace headquarters right where we started this journey. All three Squads that launched back in August will be there. We will have many sessions including some on re entry into states life. Debrief is also a time to rest, to worship, celebrate, and rejoice in all that the Lord has done. I am excited to continue to process this year and reflect on what I have learned for weeks, months and years to come. 🙂
Until next time,
Cass
PS: Our checked bags did not arrive with us in Georgia. They are delayed for a few days. Pray we get them! 🙂
PPS: See some of you so soon! Ahhhh 🙂
