Meeting Jesus in a bathroom

I remember the night it hit me for the first time—God’s love. It was in college. I wasn’t a drinker—but decided I’d join a group for some beers. Well lots of beers later 😂 I found myself back at the dorm for one of my least proud life moments. A drunk jog to the elevator wasn’t fast enough to avoid the cops —ready to bust us for drinking underage. I was embarrassed—but thankful. That night really changed my life’s course…

One of my best pal’s—Matland stayed with me while the cops questioned us. He didn’t need to, but was a good enough friend to stay, and just ‘be’ with me. We laugh about it now, it led to fun times doing community service at The Children’s Museum.

Around this time I started to notice how the friends surrounding me had something different inside of them. A joy. A love. A realness. There lives weren’t magically better—but seemed to have a compass that kept things in order—even when life might not be.

That night I remember puking a bunch in the dorm bathroom —not the best place to be sitting face down for hours. I remember just feeling this love come over me, sitting at my worst —in the middle of a dirty stall. Hearing, “I love you Kyle—come to me with your pains and I’ll make your ways lighter”.

It was weird at the time. But I just prayed. I don’t remember what I said fully -but that I realized I couldn’t do this life on my own, that I wanted to find out what it was to walk through life with this love.

I’m thankful God is there for our worst moments. It makes me wonder if He might want to be included in more of our moments—the best ones, mundane ones, fun ones, every one;)?

What does that even mean? I’m still on that journey…

Currently I’m focused on this desire to be an entrepreneur—and I see so much good content/teachings online on how to live a life with purpose -to put in the work, go after your dreams, etc. But I think that message is missing something— in it’s ‘self’ edification. What about the part where you don’t have it figured out? The part where you’re up all night tossing... “If I just try this ‘thing’…” What about the burned out? The lost in the way? Do we make time to just, pause? What if God wants to be there? And others too? What if I’m missing out—making it all about me?

One of my favorite things about running an outdoor business is getting to the lake in the morning and setting up. The sun is rising, the lake is waking. The birds are chirping…as we unload boats and set up shop on the shore it usually hits me. I get to do this. I get to be outside, where I feel closest to God. I get to help people find some fun and adventure in their day. Wow;)

When I was dreaming up Lincoln Paddle Co. I remember writing in my journal that I wanted the same God who has shown up so many times —from the bathroom floor, to job needs, to healing of my achilles before a big race, to helping friends and fam—>to be apart of my business. For people to feel that Love of our Creator, outside. To find rest, connection, and maybe even some hope—that God might whisper to them —like he did to me all those years ago.

I won’t lie—figuring out this business has been tough. I’ve had some dark days. Some days where I just do it all on my own. Oh God I think —where are you now? The build and grind of a business can be gutting. This year I’m hopeful for some big things. They have to happen to keep this thing going, and if this is the last year—I’ll be ok with it. I know there will be a next thing to pursue. But even more I think starting something, asking God to be a part, connecting with others, growing —that has been the most meaningful part.

$’s in? Yes, that is needed to keep any business alive. But-I’ve added a new best friend, and had days under a shade tree talking life and shedding a tear with another friend—she believed in me and prayed and encouraged me to keep chasing that love inside, and outdoors. I got to start a business with my Dad—what a gift! Had some amazing staff. Thousands have jumped in a kayak or a paddleboard—stories and having fun. Realizing mostly that life isn’t just to be pursued alone.

I know it might sound weird if Jesus isn’t really your thing. I get that…but realizing he wants to be with us here and now. On the bathroom floor in our worst moment, or in the boardroom- during our business pitch, rocking a grandkid to sleep, or taking an exam in Psych class, changing oil for a customer, pouding nails, or driving a bus…all the ways we are where we are.

Maybe it is worth 5 minutes this week—just to see..bending a knee, an ear, or a drive to work in prayer— a sliver of time to wonder, while we wander…

Nothing hard or heavy;).

Rest.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30

😀🙏 -Kyle