Over the past several years of my life, I've been to 7 foreign countries — 5 of which I actually lived in for a month each. And every time I've gone off somewhere new, there's always been some talk about "culture shock" and the effects it has on those it impacts.
I honestly never experienced it….
Until now.
Coming back to Wilmington, NC — the good 'ol U.S. of A. — after 4 solid months of being immersed in other cultures has truly been the most intense culture shock of my entire life.
I think a lot of times "culture shock" is associated with seeing mass amounts of people in need.
Seeing people who have nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Seeing people who live in homes the size of my bathroom.
Seeing children fight over a piece of candy — not because that's the flavor they wanted, but because they haven't eaten anything in a week.
This time, culture shock consisted of seeing mass amounts of people who have SO MUCH, and yet seem more miserable than anyone I've ever encountered in a third world country.
For me, it has been living proof of something I learned during my time away — the Holy Spirit is the only One who can give us TRUE, PURE JOY!!!!!
Because even though, from the world's perspective, the people I lived life with for the past 4 months don't have much (myself included!)….spiritually, they have EVERYTHING.
Truly, what does it profit us if we gain anything that is of this world but lose our souls? (Matthew 16:26)
Jesus knew what He was talking about.
So, I choose to continue living life the way I did while I was on the Race, even though I don't necessarily "have to."
I simply don't want to be a typical American anymore.
I don't want a 9-5 job with a 3 story house, a pool, and a convertible.
I don't want money to blow so I can buy anything I want.
I don't want all of this nice STUFF, that's really just a very very poor substitute for the One I reallyyyy want….
herrroooooo, it's JESUS!!!!!!!!!
I choose to fix my eyes on things above. I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus. Not because the things around me don't look appealing, but because He alone is worthy of every ounce of my affection!!! And that's enough for me.
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
–Colossians 3:1-4
