Finding joy in the simple things is a theme that the Lord keeps highlighting for me here in Chiang Mai. The light of the Lord shines through the smallest cracks in the sidewalk.
Here are some of the simple joys that I’ve experienced these past few weeks:
-laughing until crying with my teammates and squad-mates
-12 (formerly 10) baht dip cones from Mcdonald’s
-the dope view from the rooftop of our hostel
-cold showers after a day of sweating
-7/11 runs
-chatting with the children at ministry about Jesus during playtime
-being honest with my people and being met with pure understanding
-sketchy (but extremely fun) zip lines
-simple conversations with the locals
-the exchange of smiles with strangers walking down the sidewalk
-authentic worship in a hot room full of people I love
-chatting and laughing with future Au’pears as I teach them English and U.S. culture
-arts and crafts with kiddos
-canoeing with Sam
-watching Toy Story 3 in Thai
-the satisfaction of seeing a perfectly trimmed bush after working on it for over 30 minutes
-jumping in a pool fully-clothed
-late night talks – both the serious and the light-hearted ones
-lil’ reminders, lessons, and letters from Abba
-this really good Thai vegan rice drink from 7/11 (even though some say it tastes like potatoes, Sam and I are obsessed with it)
-market food & smoothies
-seeing and hearing how much Abba has already worked in and through us since we arrived
-grilled cheese from 7/11
-sweet smiles from the lady at the laundromat
-playing cards during some really good conversation
-warm, dry, clean clothes
-karaoke with the team (I sang ice ice baby by vanilla ice and toxic by britney spears)
-seeing a butterfly (and a chicken) on the busy sidewalks of Chiang Mai
The fact that I’ve only been here for 13 days and have already experienced so much joy in the simple things is so freakin’ beautiful. Thank you Jesus for always showing up in both big and small ways.
Here’s a lil’ poem I wrote that celebrates Jesus in the little things and the change he is cultivating here…
METAMORPHOSIS (IN THIS CITY)
the days flutter by
as the Lord wraps the people
in a cocoon of his love
we float unaware
but see clues of his everlasting joy
in the brightly painted walls
splattered throughout the city
and in the abundant smiles of the Thai people
that are arrows to his overflowing love
the variety of places and people
is a testament to His beautiful ability
to flourish in any climate
I saw a speckled butterfly on the crack of a sidewalk today;
But I also see visions of newly-formed butterflies flooding the streets,
Bursting out of their cocoons and finally getting to experience the joy that comes
When freely soaring alongside his gentle, guiding wind
h.stewart
Thank you to everyone who has been reading my blogs, praying for me, and contributing to this mission trip. It means so much. I pray that you all find God’s joy in something small that happens to you today!
