God has funny ways of teaching me lessons I refuse to learn. See, when I think I am golden in an area, He tells me that I am actually not even a bronze medalist. Ironic how I think myself deserving of first place; that alone should have be a red flag to me. (No, that wasn't a joke about a red flag in the Olympics, although that is quite accidentally hilarious if you think about it.)
Before this month, I prayed for joy in all circumstances. God also told me before the race that I would be learning two important things: humility and dependence on others. I began praying for these two, so that I would be ready when they came. Be careful what you pray for because God will answer your prayer but may teach it to you in a not-so-ideal way. I would prefer to wake up and magically have what I need. I just think I watched too much Disney growing up…and perhaps now.
To start all of this joy lesson off, we had a difficult time traveling here. You should check out Carrie Eason's blog on it because it's ridiculously hilarious, that is only AFTER the fact. Right before we started traveling, my new daypack (backpack) had the zipper break. I was sad, but eh, I moved on. Then my computer cord began not charging my computer. I questioned the problem in China, but the cord always worked after some manipulating. We arrived at our residence for a few weeks, where there was consistent internet!!! I think we literally jumped for joy. After a few days, my computer cord went on strike; it refused to work charging the battery. Until it decides to return to its duties, my computer rests at 1% battery life. I think perhaps the cord may have actually had its death.
Because of my "wise" decision at the beach, I lost my sunglasses. No, let me rephrase that. The ocean ATE my glowing green sunglasses when I was riding its waves. Perhaps it wanted me to leave or most likely, the ocean wanted to look just like me. Lime green is the new blue.
Right after that, my Mp3 player decided to draw blanks. It forgot everything I had taught it. In non-Sharisse language, it only shows a bright blank screen. Occassionally, I can get it to work for a minute or two, but I will continue to pray that it's a result only of the humidity and can be healed.
Lastly, my new headphones. They had a small short in one ear that could be fixed from adjusting the cord. In the midst of skyping my sister, both ears went out. It's sad to say that the headphones are not in a better place.
I am learning to have joy in all circumstances, but I think there is a much greater lesson here. Fortunately and unfortunately, God is teaching me to depend on others. I can only use the internet when my teammates offer or when I ask. I am still working on the asking part, but I know that's my lesson. God is taking away things so I HAVE to depend on my team more. Sometimes I wish that I could wish upon a star and become a real girl by morning.
