Patience
Africa will teach you this very well.
Mozambique has hit me upside the head with it.
I am hesitant to say that I rolled with it fairly well.
We are always playing the waiting game, waiting for the van to pick us up to go; grocery shopping for Christmas, go to the clinic, go to the airport, go home from the grocery store and many other scenarios.
Sometimes we wait for an hour, sometimes several, and other times a day or two or hey even three.
We have to have patience with those in charge, our team leader and our ministry contacts. Patience when theres so many things you do not know, and want to know, but if you ask your leader who is trying very hard to get the answer just one more question…well better just wait like everyone else.
When on the race you have to give up your rights, much easier said then done, but when you do patience comes much easier.
Patience teaches one what is important. You get to ask yourself if something is still considered important after all that time waiting, if so then continue to fight for that and if not, then don't get you panties in a ball the next time you want it and you have to wait.
Sometimes when you are waiting you might decided to do something else, either read, watch a movie or maybe something you consider important. Well, learn to be ok with dropping whatever it is when the van does pull up, or dinner finally shows up and immediately after dinner is team time so you can go to bed and not be eaten by mosquitoes. Yup whatever you were doing before that probably will have to wait for another day.
Patience
Did you notice my mention of dinner being late.
Well, theres another test of patience.
Meals can come a few hours later than you would want and often its not what you want or enjoy. Sometimes its missing an item that was there the last time you ate this meal. Well, you have a few choices, be patient and wait to see if it comes in a few minutes, or 2 days later, or get upset about it or if you can buy it yourself.
But really just be patient and give up your rights to anything and everything.
Today while we waited 2 hours for the van that was to arrive 40 minutes after we called them we did not get lunch even though it was around that time. I choose to stay back, I had no need to be in town. Well, this meant that I did not get lunch because the staff thought everyone was going into town and would eat there. Lucky for me we have snacks and yesterday was Christmas and yes there was a little leftover.
Patience and giving up rights
Lessons are taught often while on the race and in life, but it is up to you what you do with them.
Do you learn the lesson, fight it or ignore it?
Growth comes from lessons learned, and it means you can teach it to others.
Just remember who is the teacher.
Are you willing?
Patience and giving up my rights…welcome to the World Race.
Welcome to being a follower of Christ.
Are you ready to give everything up for God?
Are you willing to die and be born again as a son or daughter of God?
If so I have good news for you, He will take you, no matter where or who you are.
He loves you and His son died for you, but don't worry He also rose from the grave for you.
Say yes to His love, say yes to God.
