“In America they throw away food?
I cant say a word, but I stare back into her searching deep brown eyes as she continues. Here in the Philippines if we burn food, we eat it. Because people are starving. But you Americans just throw it away.
When we were asked to come and talk to a group of young Filipino scholars at the local college, I had not prepared myself for this. I wasnt prepared for a lot of things when I came to the Philippines.
A few days ago, I stood on thin slats of bamboo making up the only flooring of the shack a Filipino family called their home. Sheets of tin composed the roof, held down by rocks sitting on the corners. Bugs scattered as my sandals shift over the bamboo and I found a place to sit on cracking plastic chair. The parents of this household break into smiles with huge gaps in their teeth as they welcome me into their home, so honored that I would take the time to visit them. The translator told us that they have 5 children that live in this house with them. Looking at the size, I had a hard time believing this is possible.
I asked them what they did for work. Basketweaving. We are so thankful that God provides for us through our work. Sometimes times are tough, but He is faithful and I find comfort when I pray, the wife tells us through the translator.
I asked them what they need prayer for. She continued, God is good. Pray for His wisdom to guide us. Please pray for good health. The children are often sick. And for provision. That we will have food for tomorrow.
Such faith. Such dependence on God. I had no words.
So as I stare into the eyes of the young girl who asked me whether Americans throw away food, I muster, Yes, we do throw away food. We throw it away because Americans think that they dont know what it is to be in need. But in reality, America is in more need than ever. In America, we have an abundance. We are never truly in want. Sometimes we think we are, but we are blind. And because we are blind we put our trust in the things we have, the food that is always available, and the doctors that are readily available. In America, we never have nothing but God and God alone to get us through. We find things to distract us, to give us a false feeling that other things can be our strength and our security.
It is easier to see God in the Philippines. Not because God doesnt exist in America, but because the Filipinos know that God is the only thing that truly matters. He is the one who provides. He is the one who heals. He is the one who hears. Americans are deafened by social media, blinded by a culture of abundance, and crippled by dependence on material possessions instead of on Him. The only one we should depend on.
What would it look like if we started looking not to the gifts we have, but to the Giver of the gifts? Or even if we realized that they are indeed gifts and nothing that we are entitled to possess. We are blessed in America, there is no doubt about it. But would I trade every one of the possessions I have at home for the beautiful trusting hearts of the Filipinos I have met here? Absolutely.
I will never begrudge a blessing from God, but I pray that my heart will continue to be molded into one of gratitude. A heart that seeks the Lord before I seek my doctors. A heart that thanks the Him for the means to work for the food I eat. A heart that is dependent on Him and Him alone. The source. The Giver of ever good gift.
