From Egypt to Tokyo Day 55 and 60 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

From Egypt to Tokyo

Day 55 and 60 of Exodus 90: A Journey Toward Freedom and Brotherhood

In the story of Exodus, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, longing for freedom. When their journey finally began, it was anything but easy—marked by trials, doubts, and a constant pull back toward the comforts of the past. I never imagined how deeply this story would resonate with my own life until I started Exodus 90.

Before Exodus 90, I leaned on convenience and control far more than I realized—whether it was the mindless scroll of social media, the daily indulgence of a delicious bourbon or tasty snack, or the habit of filling every quiet moment with entertainment. I wasn’t enslaved in a literal Egypt, but I was definitely tied down by things I had let rule me.

The journey of letting go of these comforts has been difficult, just as the Israelites struggled when they left Egypt. There were times I wanted to turn back—to reach for my phone, to complain about fasting, to let exhaustion be an excuse. But Exodus 90 reminded me that true freedom doesn’t come from holding onto what’s comfortable. It comes from surrendering completely to God's plan.

As my journey through Exodus 90 continues, I find myself preparing for another kind of journey—a Spring Break/Graduation Celebration trip to Tokyo with my son, Colin. In many ways, this trip is a symbol of both the challenges and the rewards of leaving behind comfort.

Tokyo is a city of constant movement, vibrant distractions, and sensory overload. It would be easy to slip into old habits—losing myself in technology, indulging in every street corner convenience, sipping on some ever-so-delicious Japanese whiskey and forgetting the discipline I’ve been working so hard to build. But just like the Israelites in the wilderness, I have an opportunity to trust in God's provision rather than rely on my own desires.

There’s something poetic about traveling to Japan while still in the midst of Exodus 90. Japan itself is a place of both simplicity and excess. The ancient temples, the deep-rooted traditions, and the reverence for mindfulness stand in contrast to the neon lights, high-speed technology, and endless entertainment. My challenge will be to embrace the right balance—to appreciate the beauty of the culture without slipping back into the comforts that once controlled me.  Although I am sure they certainly will….I mean how can they not?

Perhaps the most meaningful part of this trip is sharing it with Colin. Just as the Exodus story isn’t just about Moses but about an entire generation learning to trust in God, this journey isn’t just about me—it’s about the legacy I pass on.

Through this trip, I want Colin to see that adventure isn’t just about escaping routine—it’s about stepping into something bigger. Whether it’s experiencing a foreign culture, trying unfamiliar foods, or navigating a new city together where we have not a damn clue where we are going, what the signs say or what people around us are saying.  We’ll both be pushed outside our comfort zones. And that’s a good thing (well I hope).

I want to model for him the kind of faith that thrives even when comforts are stripped away. I want him to see that the real adventure isn’t in the distractions of the world but in the freedom that comes from letting go and trusting in God’s plan.  This is definitely a trip where we will need God as our co-pilot because I don’t have a clue.  This is a new city for me.  

I know there will be moments in Tokyo when I’ll feel the pull of comfort and control—when I’ll be tempted to check out, to indulge, or to take the easy path. But will just have to channel my inner Mr. Miyagi and stay focused.    

Only 35 to 30 more days to go.  Sayonara. 

Please note that there will be no post next Thurs (Day 60) over Spring Break  I challenge you to write your own adventure.  We are half way done….what are you feeling? How is this program changing/impacting you?