“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
I say this quote often and usually apply it to my own life, currently I’m struggling with the application part. Ecuador was absolutely beautiful. The mountains were lush green, the people were welcoming, and the weather was perfect. We stayed at Casa Blanca, where life was comfortable and easy. I had hot showers, a place to do laundry, and I slept in a bed with an alpaca blanket. Peru looks a lot different. We are in the middle of the desert, it is unbearably hot , and everything is brown. When we arrived my heart sank a little and I’ll admit I was not excited. I don’t know that I had an expectation of what Peru would look like but it was definitely not this. That’s when I realized once again that the Lord was going to have to change my perspective. I began praying that I would not compare Ecuador and my experience there with Peru and the experiences I would have here.
This month we are at Savage Ministries in Trujillo, Peru as an entire squad. During our time here we will be helping teach english classes, helping with VBS, and helping them prepare for the next school year which begins in March. Their ministry is truly admirable and I’m so glad to have a small role in helping them. However, it’s our second day of ministry and I’m still struggling with not comparing. My old English class actually spoke English, these kids know none. I craved hot showers in Ecuador and now I’d prefer a cold one after a long day of sweating. I have to wash my clothes by hand in a bucket this month if I want them to be clean. SO many things about this month are different. I am out of my comfort zone and it is evident now more than ever that I am on the World Race. My needs and wants are not top priority. My preference for food, temperature, and landscape don’t apply.
So here I am being vulnerable about things not going my way and my struggle with comparison. I want Ecuador back but I also want to be present here in Peru because that is where God has me this month. He has something valuable to teach me and I can’t listen to His voice if I’m constantly complaining about what’s not going my way or dwelling on things from last month.
Psalm 150:2 says “ Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!”
I am so thankful for a God who shows me grace when my attitude isn’t one of gratitude. Even though so many things are different about this month, I’m choosing to give thanks in all circumstances. I got to go to the beach and stick my toes in the sand. I got to see how wide and vast His love for me is by looking out at the ocean. Last night I went up to the roof and took in the beauty of the mountains that surround Savage Ministries. I got to see the joy of my teammate as she sang and danced at our prayer service last night. I get to love children by helping them learn English. I get to go to the mall on Mondays and eat Chili’s, Dunkin Donuts, or Starbucks if I want. Even through the struggle of comparison I want to have a heart that sings to my Father about His greatness and the amazing things he’s doing in my life. I don’t want comparison to steal my joy. I want others to see Him when they look at me because I am here to further His Kingdom, not my own.
