DAY 15: "Something More" by Traci Wood

DAY FIFTEEN: "Something More" by Traci Wood
About ten years ago, Kevin and I were driving down to Florida for Thanksgiving. I had my feet firmly planted on the dashboard and was completely enthralled in reading a book - Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala - on the eight hour trip. I will never forget the things that took place over the next few hours. As I was reading I felt this pulling at my heart. I kept asking myself, 'Isn't there more to the Christian life? Is this really it?'

I have often been accused of asking very random and deep questions when in the car. So, after an hour or so of saying nothing, I turned to Kevin and said, “Do you ever wonder if you are missing something? Is there more to life than what we are doing and how we are living?” Of course, I wanted a short and sweet answer. Instead Kevin and I began a conversation that completely changed my outlook on life.

You see, before this conversation I was very much about 'doing' things for God. I had never experienced 'being' with God. There is such a difference. My life had been about following rules - being the perfect minister's daughter and then the perfect minister's wife. I had to be the perfect student or the perfect friend. Very rarely did I just focus on my relationship with Christ. I was consumed by appearing 'perfect', but often struggled with how empty and hopeless I felt. My life was so barren of any true 'fruit' of Christ, that I had finally had enough of the way I was living my life.

After that trip, I began to pursue God like never before. I was hungry! Hungry for something more. Hungry for my life to count for something. Hungry for a relationship that could not be filled by anyone here on earth. I was tired of living a life that was empty of passion, empty of joy, and just plain boring! I wanted to see Christ do amazing things! I wanted to be a part of something different to make a true difference.

I am still on a journey. I can often get pulled back into that normal hum-drum of life when my thoughts and attitudes are entirely focused on me and my life. I pray that I will constantly be searching for the needs of others and living my life in such a way that only brings glory to our Father.

My Prayer for Trace Crossing:
May we be a people that is tired of being ordinary. Let's not waste our life on pointless things, but be persistent in pursuing God wholeheartedly. I pray that we will not be content with day to day living unless Christ is the center of all that we do. May Trace Crossing be defined by individuals who are so consumed with Christ that our lives are constantly pointing others to Him.