Soon...

The word "soon" is often met with a variety of connotations. 

Sometimes, it's the answer to our impatience: 
"When will we get there?" - "Soon."

Sometimes, it's the answer to our fears:
"When will we know the results?" - "Soon."
"When will we see improvement?" - "Soon." 

Sometimes, it's the answer that we use to put things off for another day:
"When are you going to fold the heaping mound of laundry you've been putting off all week?"  - "Soon."

This week, "soon" feels an awful lot like we're running out of time: 
"When are you leaving?" - "Soon..."

The week before any trip can be extremely stressful. Often, a multitude of questions plague our thoughts as we prepare to uproot our lives for several days. Do we have everything we need? Did we remember to make all the proper arrangements? Is there anything we're missing? Have we accomplished everything we needed to before we leave?

It is extremely easy to get caught up in the stress and anxiety of the week before the trip. There can be many  what-ifs during the "week before". We may find ourselves running around, doing errands and tasks at the last minute that don't necessarily need to be done... but what if....? What if this happens? What if that happens?

What if... instead...we focus on the excitement:
"When are you leaving?" - "Soon!"

During the next few days as we near our departure, I would challenge my fellow team members to cast off all of their troubles and fears and look forward to the coming adventure. During times when the stress starts to pile up, I urge you to find peace in 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because he cares for you."

We should be excited during the next few days, because...

SOON we will be boarding our plane.
SOON we will touch down in Belize.
SOON we will be helping our fellow neighbors in Christ.
SOON we will be spreading the word of Jesus Christ.

I'll check back soon.

Bye for now.