There’s a famous quote that says, “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.” I never realized how true this was in my life until coming on the Race. When I find myself missing home, it’s not the big luxuries I thought I would miss. It’s not really hot showers or my big fluffy bed with six pillows, it’s not living in a culture I’m comfortable with or having the freedom to drive my car wherever I want whenever I want, it’s the little stuff. It’s the smell of sweet Tennessee air on a crisp fall day, it’s my Mom always saying a chipper “Good Morning!” to me when I come down before work, even though she knows she’ll only get a barely audible grunt in response. It’s sharing a pizza and watching Friends with Lauren and Andrea, its random thrift shop adventures with BaiLeigh and long conversations with Cayla.
I came on the Race looking for adventure and excitement, for the opportunity to do “big things” for God and to break away from my normal, ”boring” life. I found out though, that God is so fully present in the little moments of everyday life too. When I realized this, something exciting exploded inside me. I wanted to shout to everyone “I LOVE THE LITTLE THINGS!” I wanted to rush home and begin ordinary life with this renewed joy I had found! And then something slapped me in the face. Woah woah woah. Hold on there. Tennessee isn’t the only place with tiny joys. Slow down and enjoy the little things AND the big things on this adventure you’re already in! Learn to love the sky you’re under!
So I just wanted you to know about this brand new attitude I have toward life. I’m learning to treasure every moment, big or small, wherever I am. It’s not just taking the bar street by storm, or riding elephants or petting tigers or climbing up waterfalls in Thailand, it’s “GUYS! Let’s dress up in our weirdest clothes and have a dance party!!” , all six of us piling onto two mattress and giggling at midnight, and keeping a quote book of all the weird funny things we say to each other.
On the Race and in life, it’s the big stuff that makes it an adventure, and the little stuff that makes it worthwhile. I’m learning to savor both, no matter which side of the world I’m on.
Philippians 4:11 “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
