There are many things that I do that people might find odd or ironic or even completely outlandish.
I wear high-heels almost every day (or did prior to the World Race), I color coordinate my closet, and I always take leftovers home even if it's just to give to the neighbor's dog.
I do strange things. I am different. There wasn't a time when I actually thought I was normal. There's not a time when I actually want to be.
I like dipping my mac and cheese in ketchup, I like spreading peanut butter on a Hershey's chocolate bar, and I may or may not be known for Cheeto Sandwiches.
My ministry here in Moldova has been awesome but I have seen something today that might make me not feel as unique as I thought.
Walking down the street with my team and heading towards our evening ministry site, conversation flowed amongst the 5 missionaries and two local girls who were in their teens. The two were walking a few steps ahead of me as one pulled out a white object and put it in her mouth. The other girl asked if she could have a piece and proceeded to put a piece of that same white object into her mouth. The object was cylindrical shaped, white, and appeared to be a piece of chalk. I asked what it was and after communicating the word 'chalk' to them, they agreed. Not believing that they were actually chewing and swallowing huge chunks of chalk, I was offered a piece. As I examined it, smelled it, and stuck it into my mouth I came to the realization that I myself was eating a piece of chalk.
What did it taste like you might ask. It tasted like you would imagine; chalk. It was chalky, that is basically all I can say.
chalk /CHôk/
Noun: A soft white limestone (calcium carbonate) formed from the skeletal remains of sea creatures.
Verb: Draw or write with chalk.
The lesson that I learned today is that we are all different. Although skin color and race makes that apparent, our personalities are also different, the things we do are different and even further, the things we choose to believe or not to believe, are different. In order to truly understand people, in order to build a foundation for real long-lasting relationships, in order to relate to people we might not otherwise be able to relate to; sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones and learn to see things from a new perspective or try things we never would have. When we are in church or at a sporting event or at a bar, the conversations we have, the way we act, and the way in which we can relate is what opens the doors to enabling others to have the courage to open up their hearts. It could be five minutes or five years that we spend with certain people but the sooner we build a relational foundation, the sooner we can reach a level of understanding, trust, and love. In the bible it says "Above all, love each other deeply – 1 Peter 4:8" If we have the ability to start relating to people on the surface, it will be easy to love them in the depths.
Today, I learned that doing things we might never do, could be a small step in showing God's love.
Today, I witnessed a girl eating chalk.
Today, I also ate chalk.
And if you are wondering why the eat chalk…well, it has calcium in it. The phrase "God Milk?" isn't so popular in these parts.
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