discretion is advised for those who may be eating now or plan to do so
soon.
***
Jumbo is not a noun that we are familiar with in
America but here in Africa it refers to our toilets, (if they qualify
as “toilets”.) Truth be told, we are not quite sure what they are.
Definitely not a restroom, bathroom, porta-pottie, or even rest stop for
that matter. Yet, they are the place that we do our “business” and
unfortunately, spend a considerable amount of time often due to our new
African diets.
We have three Jumbos. The first one is green. This
one is rarely used due to a complete lack of air flow. The second one
is a tin shack with “Jumbo” written on the door, (hence the name.) And
the third is just like the second minus the door factor.
truths are represented and often overlooked so I thought that I might
bring five of them to the light. Enjoy!
1) God is the Ultimate Reliever of Burdens
Psalms 55:22 Cast your burdens on the Lord and he will sustain you.
I will be honest; pooping here is a big deal for our team. Between
half of us going too often and the other half not going at all we often
know the status of one another’s latest bowel movements. For those that
have been struggling to go, there is nothing like hearing their
excitement upon achieving “Jumbo Success.”
digestive burdens, God is the ultimate reliever of our life’s burdens.
2) Humility
Matthew 23:12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Having a Jumbo without a door, surprise visitors while doing your
business are common. Getting walked in on by a teammate is not such a
big thing. The fun surprises come from the road which happens to have a
lovely view of our open-air Jumbo.
avoid painful embarrassment.
3) Living by Faith
Romans 1:17b The righteous will live by faith.
Despite what one would assume, Jumbo is not exactly the sturdiest
structure. When you place your rump upon the “seat” the entire inside
shelf sinks in. Sometimes it is hard to relax when the only thing
holding you from falling into a pile of poop is bending, creaking, and
all around being sketchy. It takes faith in that Jumbo to 1.relax
2.execute 3.escape.
seems to blow extra hard and shakes where I think I stand. It’s
important to realize that God deserves every ounce of our faith and He
never fails.
4) Run in a Way to Achieve the Prize
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that in a race all the
runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get
the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict
training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to
get a crown that will last forever.
It is probably safe to say that everyone on the team has made at
least one “Jumbo-run.” I mean where we literally run to Jumbo because
if we aren’t there soon something else will be in our pants.
we run for Jumbo, we need to run in our faith with the intensity to win
the prize.
5) Being a Light
Matthew 5: 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.
The Jumbos aren’t exactly equipped with lights that can be flipped
on upon entrance. All light must be brought with you upon entry in
the night. Headlamps are the most common form of light, especially in
the Jumbo where a hands-free device is required. The only problem is
that the light which is strapped to your forehead is irresistibly
attractive to all flying creatures of the earth. You are trying to do
your business in peace but flies, moths, and worse are pelting you in
the face trying to get your light.
Our light for Jesus should be like this and should be so intense
that it has this affect on the world. Our lights should shine in a way
that people flock to it to see what it’s all about.
