Almost halftime

We have officially been in Cacalote, Oaxaca, Mexico for three months. We are a mere three weeks away from completing half of the Spanish language program. Before arriving, we had many ideas of what it would be like and how our Spanish would progress during our time here. I thought we would be fluent by the time we left Mexico. I have a much different view now on what that means. We certainly speak more Spanish than previously, but it will be years before either of us speaks fluently. A humbling thought, to say the least.

Our language learning is often frustrating, sometimes discouraging, and occasionally rewarding. We have to daily remind each other why we are here and Who led us to this place far from home. God has placed in both of us a heart to share His love with the world. We truly believe He paved the way and brought us to Mexico. He gave each of us a mutual desire to be here and He provided the finances. As far as what’s next, there are still a lot of unknowns, maybe even more than when we started. We know that if we continue striving and working hard at this, it will be worth it. Whether learning Spanish will help us build relationships with people in the Rogue Valley or to raise our children (should the Lord bless us with children) in a bilingual home or to serve the Lord in a Spanish speaking country.

Isn’t that how much of life is? Sometimes we can’t see two feet in front of us but we keep our eyes on the end goal, knowing it will be worth it. We keep our eyes steadfast on Jesus, knowing that what we do and how we live now has the potential to impact eternity. We can’t give up just because it’s hard or uncomfortable or not what we were expecting.

Running often reminds me of this truth. Lately, I have been running on the beach, just before the sun sets into the Pacific Ocean. It is such a vivid reminder of how God calls us to keep running, even when our legs ache and our lungs burn. To keep running, even when it feels like no one else got the memo. To keep running, even when we’re tired and worn out and bored with life. To keep running, even when the humidity is at one-hundred percent yet it won’t rain and the heat won’t lessen. One day all this will fade away and we will be face to face with our Maker.

Oh how I look forward to that day! In the meantime, I will keep seeking to know Him more, striving to love others well, and studying my Spanish verbs. Which way do you find yourself running these days? The end goal makes all the difference. Not all roads are created equally.