As I started today my mobile flashed a picture from the past. The scene was New Year’s day on a remote road in North Vietnam. As my mind went back to the company, amazing memories, and emotions, I found myself looking at the road ahead. I had no idea where the road was going to take me. When we ended up high in the mountains ahead, I found myself in awe and wonder. Little did I know how the journey on that day would become a metaphor for the months ahead. Covid, new work chapters, and incredible challenges creating emotional valleys and wonderful highs. As I think of what is ahead of me now, the following lesson reminders shape the day and days ahead.
Obstacles and challenges need not define anyone. Even in the memories of slippery roads and random potholes leading to wet valleys and cold mountains, I recall a sense of wonder and beauty. As harsh as the roads were, everything around me filled my heart and soul with wonder. It was the paradox playing out in the remote countryside of North Vietnam that takes me to Paul’s reminder; “All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life – a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.” (Romans 5.21)
Remember, in hopelessness, hope always exists. Even with a crash towards the end of the trip, I remember the days with a sense of longing and renewal. The purity in the air was intoxicating. The view and emotions one experienced in the mountains forever changed my views of the country and its people. Hope lives on in every situation we find ourselves in.
In each step moving ahead is an opportunity. On that day it was an act of faith. I had no idea what the next turn would reveal. Everything was possible. As I face today, it is the same. Now is the time to be bold and courageous.
