I wonder if I will ever understand why the Lord chose me. Why was I born into a life of privilege? A life of healthcare and never going hungry; a life where my basic needs were met and a lot of my wants were satisfied. Why was I born into a family that loves and cares for me unconditionally and looks out for my best interests? Why was I born into a country that gave me a free education and safe streets to walk down? Why am I not among one of the millions of street children that are in this world? Why have I never had to deal with the kind of poverty that makes a mother throw her own child out on the street? This place shows no mercy, hunger and starvation strike all ages. Sickness and death are not relegated to the old. And I have to ask why? I know I will never understand the answers, but for some reason I still ask.
My life isn't an accident, the time and place to which I was born was chosen for a reason. What am I going to do with the blessings the Lord has given me? I feel a sense of responsibility to do something with the things I have been given. Maybe it is to support my husband in the work that he is doing here, and to educate our children. But what if it's more, what if I'm being called to stop complaining about being here, and to be happy with a life that is outside my comfort zone. What if I am actually being called to make the best of my circumstances, and to stop looking at myself and start looking at those around me? Because when I start looking around, I see people who need a lot of help. People who don't even have their basic needs met; people who weren't given the blessing of education and family. The very things that we take for granted, they have never known. So as I sit here and write I'm overcome with the sense that I have it pretty good, and that I need to daily get on my knees and thank my Father for my life of privilege.
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4 comments:
So, basically what you are saying is when you call home and hear your sister complaining about her crabs that ate eachother and a lost turtle in her house that I have nothing to complain about. I already know that I have no right to complain and then you just validated that thought. Today, is a day without complaining, a day about thanking the Lord for the blessings in my life. If that's all Africa does for you is show you the struggle of people and the appreciation of your life...You will come back better than all of us here.I love you so much....Becks
My Sweet Lady:
What a reminder to all of us how privileged we are. Your post reminds me that my problems are just a little inconvience compared to most in the world. I remember a time of being unhappy with my circumstances and I found a refrigerator magnet that said "Bloom where your planted". That magnet made me realize I could be happy and bloom where ever I was, whatever was happening. My "blooming" depended on me, on my attitude, it was my choice and only with God's help would I have victory. I love you all and miss you much. Mom
Beck! You lost my turtle!!!
It's so wonderful to sit here and read your fabulous writing and feel like I'm having a conversation with you, even though you are half a world away. You guys are such heroes, really you are, and as your sister and mom have said here (so nice to feel like I'm communicating with them too on your blog!) your African perspective is such a wake-up call to the rest of us in our comfortable daily lives. We're so moved by your bravery and courage - both you and Tom but also your incredible children. We are thinking of you a lot and praying for you. We miss you so much and I'll be checking your blog all the time! Much love from Julianne in the Great White North Eh (although it's 33 degrees celsius right now which is about 91 degrees for you American types)
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