Thanksgiving always reminds me of what I am thankful for. It is amazing how our thoughts can change on this topic depending on our perspective. Our focus falls on different things depending on what is available to us.
Working in retail this holiday has reminded me of how privileged we are as Americans. People are out shopping for nice toys, clothes, electronic gadgets and the like for their loved one for the holidays. We are so fortunate to have all of these things and the means to get them. As I think about the journey that we are about to embark on in January, I can’t help but think of the not so privileged around the world. They are lucky to eat that week let along have a Xbox to play with. They likely will not have as many toys in a lifetime as some children get in one Christmas. Would an American child still be thankful if he didn’t get that coveted item?
I know that I live a privileged life, even with the cut backs we have made in our own budget. I reflect back to training camp, a week of living in the mud, cold, rain, with basically no running water, and porter potties. I was so thankful to get a “real” shower and a good sized meal when I got home. While on the race, our living conditions may not be so pleasant as this. In fact, they might even make training camp look good. There is a good possibility that we will be so excited about a flushing toilet, tap water you don’t have to boil, and a hot cooked meal that wont upset our digestive tract (All things I know I take for granted.) It may sound strange, but I’m looking forward to those moments when I’m thankful for these things (though it may not be fun). Because it means that I had a chance to experience what everyone else in that country or region experiences everyday. I will have a better understanding of their way of life. I hope God uses that to help bring me closer to the people we are ministering to so that I will know how to show His love better. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like but I’m ready to find out.
Thank you Lord for the many blessings you have provided us. Help us to be good stewards of your gifts and may we use them to bless others. Amen
Side Story At work today, I heard there was a lady very upset about the “condition of the bathrooms.” I was sent in to investigate and there was a descent amount of clean toilet paper on the floor. Through my American eyes I can see where she is coming from. From my World Racer eyes I thought, “lady, what’s the problem?”
I feel compelled to share this photo that was shared by another racer of what our bathroom situations could be like.
