Here’s a short story sure to make you role your eyes at my stubbornness 😉
In March, my team had the amazing opportunity of living in the mountains of Northern Vietnam with the H’mong tribe.
Often I felt like our lives were surreal. The rice fields cut into the mountain side were unlike anything I had ever seen, the mountain peaks were magnificent and often reached into the clouds, a rocky river wandered through the valley below, and the world’s kindest people dressed in traditional garb surrounded us. Honestly, it was a movie.
All that being said, I still felt like it wasn’t as beautiful as it should be. I felt some sort of disconnect, like I was missing a layer of beauty.
As I watched the sunrise or hiked through the mountains I would pray for the Lord to let me see my surroundings in all their splendor. I wanted to take them in for all they were.
On the very last morning we were there, I was watching the sunrise when it hit me that I should go put my glasses on. I hate wearing them, but I wanted to see the view crisply on the last day.
When I returned downstairs and looked out at my surroundings, I couldn’t help but laugh.
It was beautiful!!!
The layer of beauty that I knew I had been missing was revealed and the mountains appeared more majestic than ever!
I realize that this is silly and a little ridiculous, go ahead, laugh 😀
But in that moment the Lord revealed His grace to me.
I spent the whole month missing out on the fullness of beauty that was before me. My glasses were in my backpack all month, freely available to me, but I didn’t want to accept that I needed them. I don’t like how I look in them.
How many other things have I missed out on because I’m unwilling to admit my weakness and accept the help that is freely given to me?
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
It is never easy to admit our weaknesses and struggles, to reveal our brokenness, to let other people into the mess. Sometimes it is even hard to let God into the mess.
We want to do it on our own, to look like we have it all together.
– but if we would just accept it –
Grace is there, Christ is there, Community is there, Help is there, Strength in there
……………………………………………….
A little bit of Vietnam in pictures:
Some of the children that lived with us. We did not speak the same language, but peace and laughter are universal.
We called her Grandma. While we never communicated verbally, I know that she is strong and kind and joyful.
The H’mong church during Sunday Service
Our host, Binh, was a constant example of kindness, humility, and servant-hood
Team Meraki
