The more I learn, the less I know.
A phrase that has become very evident the past six months traveling around the world, experiencing cultures, histories, opinions, and people.
There is a lot out there. There is a lot to learn. And in the process of importing all of this information and these experiences into my brain, I am coming to the very real realization that this beautiful, messy, masterpiece of humanity around the world is all so intriguing. I am excited by it. I am mesmerized by it. I am broken hearted over it.
This is getting deep fast, so let me bring it back.
My teammates like to joke that “everything is my favorite.”
True. I can’t argue with that kind of statement. I mean, have you seen everything? It’s all so enchanting, beautiful, delicious, breathtaking, or oddly unique. Or as my 22 year old self would say “rad.”
Most people say that you can only have one “favorite” but I’d like to disagree. Unless maybe I should replace the phrase “this is my favorite” with “I am content.” Yes, I am content.
I’ve been thinking about this lately in terms of what’s next for me after this World Race journey ends. Because honestly, I have no idea.
I like to think about maybe going back to school to get my master’s or moving to a hip city, and getting a job at a coffeehouse and one day opening my own, or a hostel!, or pursuing music in some shape or form, or all of the above. You know, the normal millennial dream… But maybe none of the above are really in the plans. Its all a maybe.
I have a lot of thoughts on how I’ve been thinking, processing, and praying about all of this, but in all honestly I’m trying to not. It’s difficult enough to stay present when you have been away from “home” for so long and it’s fun to think about meeting up with your people at Mamie’s, or taking a bath (but for real though), or designing what your apartment will look like after you’ve seen beautiful designs and artwork from all over the place.
I have no clue. Literally none at all. And that’s okay.
What I do have though is open hands for whatever the Lord puts in front of me. And I know that I will be able to find joy or contentment in whatever that is. Because if I am pursuing Him and He is pursuing me (which He always is), my cup is overflowing. The other factors are all secondary. And in my mind, interesting in some form.
So all of that being said, I am content today. I am content right this moment typing these words from my little bunk bed in my hostel in Belgrade (my current favorite city).
And I would challenge you to be content, not stagnant, but content in whatever season you are in because the Lord is blessing that.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13
