I’ve been going through the process of acquiring gear for the past few weeks. It’s an exciting time because it’s part of the preparation. I can’t go spend almost a year in 11 different countries without a few necessities. One aspect of my gear has stood out to me and that is my bedding.
I’m a nester. Whenever I go on trips or anywhere that involves not sleeping in my own bed (that definition has admittedly gotten a little hazy since I have “my own bed” both in the town I currently live as well as my hometown with my parents) I reach a point of feeling settled in when I know where I will be putting my head down at night. Once my bedding is situated it makes no difference whether the rest of my belongings are unpacked. We can go find adventures. and I’ll deal with the clothes later.
So with this upcoming adventure there is a lot of uncertainty about the nesting situation. Having never been to any of these places I haven’t the slightest clue of where I will be laying my head down to rest at night. Or do I? Interestingly, my gear list includes a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and pillow (among several other things). In essence, I will be carrying my bed with me on my back wherever we go. It’s taken me a while to decide whether that is a freeing or terrifying concept. My conclusion is that it brings so much freedom. I won’t have to worry about “nesting” because I can literally do so anywhere. I know what I will sleep in and what I will put my head on every night. Heck, I’m even bringing my own bedroom in the form of a tent! For anyone who relates to my nesting tenancies, the whole world is going to be my nest because I carry the ability to nestle in anywhere I end up going. Talk about gaining an understanding of being a nomad!
There is a line in a poem that I came across in a cafe in the town where I live that helps illustrate my point. I suspect that myself and fellow racers will feel a lot like pilgrims during our journey. That feels appropriate because as believers, we know that our time here is temporary. Our purpose is to glorify God and further His kingdom. I wish I knew who wrote this or where it came from but it is fantastic regardless.
Dream with me of a day,
When we, hand in hand on the way,
Expose our pain and rejoice,
Cling to good, make a daring choice,
To listen fully, accept correction,
Live with conviction, no fear of rejection,
Giving others freedom to rise and fall,
As pilgrims in a land with a heavenly call
