This month we haven’t had an adventure day. Connecting to wifi wasn’t an option. The intake of coffee has been nonexistent. We’ve been living in remote villages where many of the comforts and conveniences of home haven’t been found.
Not that I am speaking of being in need,
for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.
In any and every circumstance,
I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger,
abundance and need.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
This is the month we’ve been served by our hosts in the most loving ways. There is always an abundance of deliciously spicy food. When we visit people in the village, they borrow chairs from their neighbors so that we have a place to sit. We’ve had more cups of tea and glasses of Sprite than I can count. This is the place where we have never hand-washed our clothes without the help of at least three eager girls. Here, children surround us the moment we step out the door. They are excited to have our attention, hold our hands, and carry our water bottles. In this place, prayer is a staple, not a condiment. Laughter is constant and smiles are abundant. This month, joy has overflowed. I will be smiling as we drive away but accompanying that smile will be tears.
At the end of last month, the Lord told me if I opened my heart, I would learn to love what He loves. I chose to go into this month with my heart fully open to whatever He had planned. He has been faithful in keeping my heart soft and allowing me to love as He loves.
It’s not the things in life that bring us joy. It’s the giving and receiving of love. It’s following in the footsteps of the Father.
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three;
but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
