On October 15, 2014, Team Hakuna Matata had the experience of a lifetime. We went on a game drive. (Note: A safari is when you camp in the grasslands for a few nights, a game drive is when you get in a truck and look for animals for a ½ day or a day.)
Before I share all of the details, I’ll let you in on this tidbit: About a week earlier, my team and I prayed a list of [im]possible prayers, including a free safari. My former team leader, now squad leader, David, mentioned this prayer at the last minute as we were writing our prayers down, but we prayed for it. God heard. He answered. He really showed up and showed off: A couple that we met in Francistown blessed the mess out of us: they blessed us with the funds needed to go on our game drive.
With sandwiches packed, we headed to the office to meet our guide named Peace. On our way, we made a list of animals we wanted to see, including the king of the jungle: the lion. We loaded up in the big jeep/truck, and with sunscreened faces and big smiles, headed into the park.
Every once in a while, someone made a small comment, ”I can’t wait to see a lion.” Or “Where do you think the lions are?” Throughout the day, Peace told us that he was going to do his best to help us see at least one lion. In the meantime, he shared many interesting facts about the animals and their life styles.
At one point on the drive, we went near a watering hole to find HUNDREDS ( literally hundreds) of elephants. I can’t really describe the experience as other than breathtaking. God sure had a sense of humor, excitement and whimsy when He made those incredible creatures.
As the day was ending, our comments about seeing a lion migrated toward hopes and prayers. We had about one hour left until we had to leave the park, so we spent it looking for the king of the jungle.
Long story short, team and I didn’t see the king of the jungle, but we saw the King of Kings all over Kasane State Park.
Throughout the day we saw God’s incredible creation, all different kinds of animals: fish eagles, lilac breasted red birds, hippos, impalas, baboons, antelopes, waterbucks, zebras, water buffalos, ELEPHANTS ( I took an Elphie, a selfie with an elephant) and crocodiles. We also saw some beautiful landscapes.
As we were ending the day, riding to the park gate, officially ending the day, we were blessed by a sunset like no other. I know the whole world sees the same sun, but there is something really special about an African sun, especially the way it paints the sky all types of pinks, purples and blues as it falls behind the trees .
See, that day, I personally learned that God enjoys it when His children experience the wonders of His creation, and He LOVES it when His children enjoy Him together. It seemed that day that we were clearly living out Philippians 4:11 ( The Message) “ I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.” Although we didn’t see a lion, each and every one of us was content with the gift God gave us…… a truly wonderful day.
Are you seeing your days as they are…truly wonderful? I challenge you to take some time each day and reflect on being content with what you have. I guarantee you that you won’t regret it.
