He is so vast, his beauty is indescribable, uncontainable.
Steps staggered, I walk straight toward the beauty set before me. I stand and take a deep breath. His wind blows over me and renews my lungs with fresh air. I sit down and the view captures my whole being, I’m drawn to the painters masterpiece. The mountains, trees, village, clouds, wind, grass and flowers captivate my stare.
My eyes are fixed on his every detail; from the rusted roof tops to the color of the farthest mountain in sight. The cold air brings a shock to my body, though the warm atmosphere welcomes me.
The tin roof and cement walls and floors of the school are accompanied by insects of all kinds; creeping tarantulas, bugs that infest our belongings, and spiders that make their self at home in the cracks of the cement.
I rest in peace as my blankets cover my legs and as my sleeping bag covers my head. Bug repellent engulfs my every breath, I smile and turn to my teammates who are scattered about the floor doing the same thing.
The same water that washes our dishes also cleans our clothes, washes our bodies and flushes the toilets. It is stored in a trough. Old paint, sand, dirt, grass and other unknown remnants float along the waters surface. A smile creeps up on my face as I admire how the trough and I will become best friends.
As I wash my clothes and dishes I am in awe of God’s creation. The clouds move swiftly over the mountains, His presence hovers over all the earth. My clothes hang on a line as the wind ever so slowly evaporates the water from each cotton fiber.
City lights appear to me like fireflies dancing away in the dark of night as my team and I hike up to the top of our mountain after an evening in town. Beads of sweat drip down my face as get to the top, but the view is always worth it. Fresh air never fails to meet us as we reach the top.
Trees surround the house, crushed cans are caught in the rusted wire along the fences, flowers line the sides of the property, tires make their way up to the entrance of the hill. This little school welcomes many little screaming, dancing, playful kids 5 days a week. It gives the impoverished an opportunity to thrive in the world around them.
Water sloshes along the stairway as I carry a bucket of cold water to the bathroom. Sighs of relief leave my mouth as cold water rushes over my body, goosebumps take root on every square inch of my skin. The wind swirls into the room, the water turns into what feels like icicles. Bucket empty, hair wet, I am comforted by the sun as it shines a warm blanket over me. I walk down the steps as a new woman.
This place is absolutely breathtaking (literally), it’s such a privilege to be here and see the beauty in the stillness and simplicity of this home. I choose joy when experiencing these minor flaws and imperfections as I am immersed in these living conditions. Whenever I am uncomfortable, cold, discouraged etc. I can look up and be taken back by the view, perspective is gained quickly.
I am not comforted by a colorful, fuzzy Christmas themed blanket or a carpeted room. I can’t count on a warm pressured shower, a washer and dryer, or even a warm home with a fire place to cuddle around during the holidays. My flesh desires these things, though my soul stays satisfied when pressing into the word and presence of God.
Those days when I just want to be home or want to have a material comfort, the Lord reminds me of the parable in Luke 9 when Jesus replies to his followers saying, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head”. Jesus is telling us that walking with him isn’t going to be easy, it requires trust. It takes a surrendered heart that seeks Him first.
Jesus walked his life proclaiming the good news, preaching to the unreached, and healing the sick among the nations. My guess would be that he didn’t have a nice and cozy room that had all of his favorite things in it. It’s clear to see that he wasn’t building his home here on earth with riches rather, he was building the eternal church up. God sent his son Jesus to a sacrificial life on earth and likewise calls me and you to a life of sacrificial living. He has called us to take up our cross and build our eternal home following His example.
Living like Jesus and following in his footsteps is the best way to live. It’s been challenging me but let me tell you, the harvest is full. When I feel uncomfortable, I take a step back, look up and am quickly given perspective.
This month I find my physical and spiritual comfort in the way that Jesus lived. I feel honored to live a life that is like Jesus’s. I mean little ole me has the opportunity to literally serve, pray, love, and live like Jesus. What a privilege. AND we are given a book, a template, to demonstrate how to do so!
“I consider that our present sufferings are both worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us” Romans 8:18
