After
arriving in Israel on Saturday, we have been immersed in history. We began with
a tour of Old Jerusalem followed by a trek through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, an
underground water system from the ancient City of David. We also floated in the
Dead Sea, covered our bodies in “healing mud,” and regularly gaze out on the
sand dunes in the beautiful desert of Arad. Just a few hours ago, my teammate,
Kristin, and I ran through the desert chasing camels. 
Running through the sand and rock, I stopped to think how
amazing my life is. At the moment, I am running through the desert chasing
camels, in a few hours I will be enjoying a wonderful Shabbat dinner with my
squad, and in a few days I will be living amongst the Bedouin people: learning their
life and culture. I have ample opportunities to walk in the same places as not
only Jesus and His disciples, but the ancient kings and prophets of the Old
Testament. I have nothing to complain about.
especially this year. However, I can usually find something to complain about;
there is always something that could be better. How many times do I grieve
God’s heart by thinking that what He has given me is not enough? Walking the streets of Israel and seeing the places
that Jesus lived, I have constantly been reminded of God’s provision throughout
Scripture and how much in my own life I take for granted. I am thankful that
God is teaching me to be appreciative of everything He has given me and to take
nothing for granted. I hope and pray that after this year I will not forget the
simple moments and the small ways He has blessed me. I hope that I will
continue to stop taking life for granted, and live every moment to its
fullness. I pray that I will always look back and appreciate the times I was
able to chase camels.
“The
thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have
life, and have it in abundance.” John 10:10
