Where do I begin today? What do I have to tell you? I think gratitude is a good place to start.
To borrow from what the famed Opry radio-star sweetheart, Minnie Pearl, used to say, "I'm jus' so proud to be here!"
And I am proud to be here. The primary emotion I have experienced day after day for 3 months is gratitude. Maybe I'm still in the naive honeymoon phase of my relationship with Africa, where I can overlook the toilet seat left up, and the towel on the floor, and the cap left off the toothpaste, but I think it's more than that. God is working on me, and He is teaching me gratitude. He is changing the conditions of my heart and my natural attitudes. I'm learning to be grateful in every circumstance.
I'm grateful to be living in Africa. I'm grateful for hard life lessons I'm living and learning. Grateful that my prayers were answered after 6 long years. Grateful that I've found my place in the world. Grateful that I'm working at my dream job.
I'm grateful for the tension between who I am, and how far I still have to go. I'm grateful that it's possible to pay rent and eat and still get to do this work. I'm grateful that you believe in me so much, that you would financially support me to do what I do here. I'm grateful for everyday that I wake up excited to carry the responsibility that you have given me and to meet the expectations you have set for me. I'm grateful that you are listening to me, and letting me learn, and letting me grow, and letting me fail. I think I'd like to work for you for a really long time if you will let me.
I'm grateful to work for a Christian organization. I'm grateful that my entire attitude towards work has changed because of it. It's changed why I get out of bed in the morning. It's changed my work ethic. It's changing my reactions. It's changing my habits. When you work for a "Christian" branded organization, the expectation is set for you to act like Christ at all times, and everywhere you turn is someone who believes that you are capable of that high calling. Every leader here sets that example and shows me how it's done on a day to day basis. When you operate out of that expectation, every interaction with every person is an opportunity to practice what we preach. Every conversation a chance for me to steer the conversation towards Christ. Every moment an opportunity to show grace, to demonstrate love, to be patient, to act with humility. It's fantastic.
The Bible says to be filled with gratitude, overflowing at all times. I didn't think that was something that came naturally to me. I read it, but didn't truly believe it as a fact and an achievable reality. I didn't walk around a bundle of thankfulness. I wasn't able to muster up a spirit of positive gratitude on all occasions. I actually thought that by nature, I was a criticizer and a grumbler. But being here has opened my eyes and shown me that there is another way possible. A better way is possible.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6
Colossians 2:6
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Being a big believer in the promises found in God's word, I would challenge you to try it for one day. You don't have to work for a Christian organization to practice gratitude. Be grateful and then sit back and be amazed. I was.
As I finish my thoughts for the day, Minnie Pearl used to use one last famous exit line, and I feel the need to do the same... so in her words... and now in mine... remember... "I love you so much it hurts!"
Love this and love you, Ms. Helms. Our God is so big, so strong and so mighty- there's nothing our God cannot do! : )
beautiful.