I Double-Dog Dare You….

Often you don’t realize the things you take for granted until you no longer have them.

How would you feel if cars were far too expensive, therefore the ONLY option was to ride the bus. However, to get on and get off the bus you had to scan your passport each time, therefore, tracking every place you were going?

How would you feel if the ONLY response you could make about the president/king/prime minister/etc. was “the king is the greatest man in the world.” Any other answer could have you persecuted, put in jail, or potentially killed?

 

How would you feel if there were elite few that made millions of dollars, there was no middle class, and everyone remaining made minimum wage (or less)? Additionally, if you were born into the low class, you stayed in the low class. There is absolutely no way to advance into another class.

How would you feel if you had to go to a government-approved church?

How would you feel if every time you went to church, you had to do it in secret or take a different route in case someone was following you?

How would you feel if you could only go to church once (perhaps, twice) a month because there is a risk of being tortured or somehow “disappearing” if it is discovered that you are going to church?

 

It sounds absurd but EVERY example is a reality for someone I know. 

Sometimes it’s difficult for me to understand.

And by sometimes…I mean…all the time!

I, recently, read a book called 1000 gifts. The author presents a challenge called the “joy dare.” Within this dare, she challenges the readers to see God’s gifts and to find joy in what He has given you. I’ve been doing it, personally, for the last two months and it has changed my perspective on life.

This is what I want to do…I want you participate in this challenge too. I want you to find joy. I want you to see the gifts God has given you.

I would like everyone to give me at least 3 things that you are thankful for and the reason that you are thankful for it.

I’ll start.

I’m thankful for:

1)    My past, my present, and my future. I look back at things He’s brought me through and I can only say “Wow! Thank you Jesus!” And I wouldn’t be the same person today if I hadn’t gone through so much.

2)    Waking me up this morning. Believe it or not, someone went to bed just like you did last night. The only difference is that you heard your alarm clock this morning and turned it off. They didn’t.

3)    Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I know you see the pictures from various countries on Facebook but missionary life isn’t easy. PB&J’s are a staple of my diet.It sounds silly, but believe it or not, I’ve met MANY PEOPLE in the last 4 months that hadn’t eaten anything that day and would absolutely LOOOOOVE a bite of your PB&J! It gives a new perspective to PB&J’s huh!?

So tell me…what are you thankful for?