One thing I’ve come to realize is that we as Americans are not easily satisfied. No matter what we have, we always want more. We are constantly chasing after the latest technology, the nicest houses, the most fashionable clothes, “picture perfect” relationships, the best career, the fanciest restaurants, entertainment, and the next stage in our lives. I think it takes coming to a complete stop to realize that we never needed to be running. Life isn’t a sprint, it’s a hike. We travel over hills and valleys, and it’s not about the destination- it’s about the journey.
Our morning view of the Himalayas as we hiked to ministry at a local church
The longer I’m on the World Race, the more I lower my standards for what I think I need to be satisfied. Seriously, every time I think I can handle the bare minimum- plot twist, it’s not the bare minimum! All the things I thought I needed to survive are now luxuries: beds, real showers with hot water, real toilets with toilet paper (and being able to flush it), washing machines and dryers, personal space/privacy/alone time, refrigerators, microwaves and regular ovens, heating/air conditioning in houses and public places, easy access to a grocery store like Walmart, easy access to WiFi, healthy air to breathe, and the freedom to eat and wear what I want. I could go on, but we’d be here a while…
Very thankful to have a covering to keep our tents mostly dry
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” -1 Timothy 6:8
I read this verse in a book about God’s provision when I was in Panama. However, I don’t think I truly grasped the magnitude of what it was saying until recently. Because although my first three months on the Race were by no means easy, I didn’t have to give up as many basic comforts as I am now. To say I can be content with food and clothing is still a challenge.
One thing that hasn’t changed from the start is cramming as many people in a taxi as possible- we fit 12 the other day!
I feel like the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert and the Lord provided them with manna(bread) everyday (and meat when they asked for it)- and they still complained! I’ve probably had rice almost everyday for about 9 weeks straight, usually at least twice a day. And I didn’t even like rice before the race. So I’ve found myself looking forward to off days when we have the freedom to buy something familiar to eat. It’s insane that I can still find myself so distracted and discontent when I have been so blessed. But I think that’s because talking about contentment is easy, but living it out is a whole different ball game.
An average Nepali meal
I thought traveling with only a week’s worth of clothing was going to make this year difficult. At home I have plenty of options for all types of weather and all occasions. I would wear something once and throw it in the laundry, even if it wasn’t that dirty. But then I see kids who alternate between the same two outfits the entire month I’m there because that’s all they have, and it breaks my heart. I’m no longer concerned with whether my clothes match or clash, but with if they smell okay enough to wear another day… and sometimes I’ve still gotta wear them even if they smell bad. I’m just thankful to have something to keep me warm.
Hoping my clothes would dry before travel day in India
I hope this change of mindset sticks with me for the rest of my life. I don’t want to get caught up in the busyness of American society and forget that where I am in the moment is beautiful. The passion, the joy, and the hearts of the people I have encountered are incredibly inspiring. America is missing the hope and joy that people around the world have seemed to grab onto.
We had many laughs visiting an old church in India with our hosts and “auto brothers” 🙂
These two scriptures show that although there are two things necessary to be content, we really only have one need:
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” -John 6:35
“But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!” -Luke 12:28
Jesus- He’s the answer. And He doesn’t want us to keep seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places. He just wants us to come to Him because He loves us and is faithful to provide everything we need. I can’t keep chasing contentment outside of the living God who provides it. I can rest in the assurance that the Holy Spirit within me is aligning my will with His.
-Catherine
The beautiful sunset last night in Nepal (featuring Papa)
