So here on the Race, there are these concepts we like to
call the Beach Team and the Bush Team.
You could probably guess what those two terms mean, but for the sake of
argument, Im going to define them for you.
Beach Team: This term
stands for the team(s) that seems to get the most favorable living conditions
while in a country. You could say they
are the ones who maybe have running water, are in close proximity to actually
grocery stores and malls, and maybe even literally live by a beach. There tends to be a little jealousy towards
the members on the Beach Team(s). To
outsiders, it may seem like the Beach Team members get to do ministry while
also basically still living in America. But on the inside, most members are
actually jealous of the Bush Team and desire more authentic living while inside
a country.
Bush Team: This term stands for the team(s) who seems to
live in the rougher conditions of a country.
They may be the ones taking bucket showers, eating noodles every meal,
and possibly actually living in tents in the African bush. Not many people really desire to be on the
Bush Team, and sometimes, when it has been several days since they have had a
real shower and they are forgetting what fruits and vegetables look like, these
members can grow jealous of the Beach Team members and their endless supplies
of Oreos and Peanut Butter. However,
once on the outside, the Bush Team members tend to have some epic stories of
life and growth on the Race.
As you can probably see, neither the Beach nor Bush Team
members ever seem to be completely content with where they are placed for the
month. Each group desires something
else. What the other has.
Over the last 6 months, I have seen this same idea play out time
and time again. But one instance in
particular just keeps coming to my mind.
In China, paler skin is considered more beautiful. Women try to wear clothes that protect their
skin from the sun. They even go so far
as to use umbrellas as they walk down the street to keep any sunlight from
touching their bodies. Now if I thought
this was an issue of trying to prevent skin cancer, I would be all for it. But in actuality, these people are so
desperate for the pale skin of white people because it is a sign of wealth and
luxury. People who have darker skin have
it because of the amount of time they have to spend out in the sun working to
support their families. They are considered
lower class and less beautiful.
Now think of America.
The opposite is true. Americans
spend thousands and thousands of dollars trying to darken their skin. Being tan is beautiful whether it is the
middle of the summer or Christmas break.
The tanning bed industry is booming while forever pale people such as
myself have to fight the feelings of never seeming to be as beautiful. Yet again, people are not happy with the
cards they have been dealt.
Now why do you think that is? Why cant we be happy with where we are and
what we look like? Personally, I think
it is because we have forgotten or chosen not to live in the promises of the
Father.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
God does not make mistakes.
He created you exactly the way you were supposed to be created. You are beautiful. You are a work of art. Dont let the world tell you differently. God also knows exactly what is happening in
your life. He is in control and promises
to do everything for your good. So stop
wishing you were somewhere else. Stop
being jealous of the Beach or Bush teams in your own life. He has a plan. And it is going to be great if
you will just trust in Him.
