Beautiful release.
It’s another thursday evening as we all plug away at our computers, and dial slowly as our necks so familiarly hold the phones to our ear. Over the excited and exhausted buzz of the office we hear Jedadiah’s sweet voice sing into the megaphone.
“One minute until you all need to be off the phones”
We all silently groan as we begin to prepare ourselves mentally for the next few hours of Schools for Schools training. Like drunken sailors who’ve had no sleep we fumble with the phones as we quickly end conversations and rush to finish emails. Trying not to think about the endless amounts of work we are leaving unfinished. Trying not to drown in the waters as we slowly sink below the surface. Maybe I’m a little dramatic…. Then, again he sings.
“You will be given a riddle, you have 30 minutes to figure out where we will be going, grab dinner and be back at the office ready to leave”
We frantically throw our things together as we rush out of the office. What’s still open? How much time? And where!? As we struggle to stay together running down the street we read aloud from the torn piece of paper.
The small script from a black pen read:
“Sitting high with ocean vista
a make out spot for miss and mista
a memorial that is hated
by the ACLU debated
not near the military
but above the rich and merry
we will eat our meals
as the white cross heals
our work week woes
and friendship grows…”
And just like that we jump in to those familiar vans as we squeeze in close and head off to Mount Soledad. You’re probably wondering just like I was where the heck that is. Mount Soledad is a mountain on the coast that overlooks San Diego, you can see as far as Mexico and out into the Pacific. We arrived just in time to see the sun set as it paints the sky purple and orange. Wide paint strokes across the heavens, takes our breath away. Standing beneath the white cross (that can be seen from any point in San Diego) I enjoy a dinner on the grass with my 60 family members.
The beauty of the cross covers us all as we play, we lay down, and run through the grass. What a beautiful God. Oh, what a beautiful release I’ve found on top of Mount Soledad.
The journey only continues as we again jump into the vans and head off to Mission beach. Behind the driver’s seat I can’t help but feel pretty legit as we drive in a pack. Like the slow motion walk in Armageddon our four vans drive off into the sun set…in slow motion *cue epic song in the sound track of my life*
If only we knew what was in store for us next. As we all pull into the beach we are welcomed by Jason, Margie, Zach and all the staff. As we run off into the low tide of the ocean the bon fire starts on the shore. The fire dances as we dance. Smores are the treat as laughter echoes into the sea of stars above. The heavens blanket us and we cross our legs and sit around the fire.
The night’s mystery and beauty carries on as Jason introduces the guest speaker. Hollywood director, million dollar man, directed Ace Venture, Evan Almighty, Liar Liar Patch Adams, Pepperdine professor. A man who’s resume would blow you away, but more importantly a man who’s humility and heart will challenge you to do more. His name was Tom Shadiack.
Bare foot long hair and hippy speech, he spoke to us about the challenges of the “roadie life” We had conversations on, What is truth? How does apathy change? What are we afraid of? and Why are we waiting? He spoke truth into my life as he told stories, quoted Emerson, and preached the gospel. Empowering my soul for more and placing a hunger for seeing a life change. Most importantly the thread that held it altogether was his love of Jesus and convictions. His love and “Jesus freak” mentality that challenged us to live the way the gospel calls us.
The van ride home was full of laughter and belting of Edwin Mccain. I have no idea what I have gotten myself into. I have fallen in love with the most beautiful people, and God has given me so many indescribable blessings. My prayer is to continue to love and serve with humility as we continue step by step in the journey of a life change.
What a beautiful God we serve. This is our shot to the moon.
