The American Dream: It sounds so beautiful. College degree. Cute little white picket fence home. Steady job and a family. It sounds pretty comfortable if you ask me.
Today as I was riding a jeepme in the Philippines, I befriended a sweet elderly woman. She smiled at me and rambled on a few sentences in her language to which I replied “Oh I’m sorry, I speak English”. To my surprise she responded in English and proceeded to ask me where I am from and what in the world am I doing in the Philippines. Right when the word America came out of my mouth, her face lit up. She told me how she longed for the day she could step foot in ‘the land of the free’ and all of its fascinations. As I agreed, I also told her the love I have for her country. The kind people, beautiful islands, amazing food, and so much more. She smiled and continued to talk about America.
It got me thinking of the place I call home.
All of its wonders, comfortability, routine, success, etc.
I actually grew fearful of coming home as I realized it’s my last month on the race.
I don’t want to fall into the busyness of my old routines. I don’t want to go back to ‘normal’. I want more than the American Dream. Life is so much more than success in societies eyes. Society says the more money you have and things you buy, the happier you will be in life. That’s far from true. As I’ve traveled to 5 countries in the past 8 months, the more I’ve come to realize this. The most joyful people I have ever met, live in the poorest places I’ve set my eyes on. It doesn’t come from fame, success, or the things they have. It’s quite the opposite. Their joy come from Jesus alone.
Whether or not I have those things listed in the American Dream, I do not want to lose what I’ve learned from this journey. The moments where I am captivated by Gods creation. The times where I’ve had to trust in Jesus because He’s all I had. Moments where love is so needed and He provides. Days when He breaks my heart for His people and calls me to do something about it.
Moments on a jeepme talking to an elderly woman where He reminds me what this is all about.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.
~Mother Teresa
