Do you have a friend in your life that you know because of them you are a better person? You just think, wow I’m lucky to have met them and know them in my life. Them as a person, is what you love.
Because of these people met in Africa, I’ve learned more of who Jesus is and grown to learn more of what to value in life. Below are listed 11 values I’ve learned to cherish from people met in our time here in Africa:
(there’s for sure WAY more people and things that I’ve met and learned but, here is just a glimpse to encourage YOU)
1. Love freely
She ran up to me, said my name, and wrapped her arms around me to give me the most heartfelt hug. With the brightest smile she said “welcome home.” I’ll never forget Flo. She was their maid but more than that, she was LOVE. That was the first time I met Flo but I felt like I knew her all my life and really I thought I actually met Jesus. I couldn’t believe that someone would love so much that didn’t even know me. Flo taught me that God NEVER created us to evaluate people first before we love them, we are called to LOVE first, why do we love? Because He first loved us. 1 John He is our reason to love.
2. Smile often
“Lillian,” I said “Hello” was her response with a bright smile. The whole time we talked on the bus she smiled. Smiled when she talked about her struggles and good times. Above all she said “he helped me live loved and live free.” Jesus was the joy inside of her and she couldn’t contain it.
3. Give generously
She visited the church and handed my team purses that she made. We didn’t even know her but she knew us and wanted to bless our team. Her generosity didn’t go unnoticed.
4. Ask questions
A man sat next to me on a bus ride to church. He asked me if I was dressed up for a reason (probably because we barely ever dress up throughout the week) I told him my team and I were going to church and that started a conversation. I thought I’d be the one asking questions but in actuality, he asked the majority of questions on my beliefs. He challenged me with questions like “don’t you believe Heaven is a country?” it was honestly refreshing because it made me think and continue to go back to the word. I look back and appreciate his questions that sharpened my core values.
5. Value family
We ate every meal with them every day. “It’s Christmas time soon, so what are you going to do with your family Susan?” She replied. “You ARE our family, we’re spending time with you guys!” In tears, I was thankful to be welcomed into their family.
6. Laugh a lot
He said “do you mind if I turn up the music?” Never did we think this combi ride back home would turn into a crazy adventure of laughter and a lot of singing our hearts out. They won their soccer tournament and celebrated life because of it…might I add there were over 20 people in the combi.
7. Slow down
Life is too short to miss it. It’s times of reflection on Kgale Hill that Ember taught me to slow down and appreciate God’s creation and listen to Him speak.7.Worship is a lifestyle
Music was in his blood. He danced and made everyone excited for life. Elijah was living his life with joy from Jesus and always have a song in his soul.
8. Listen deeper
Lucas, he was kind and sincere. He didn’t speak much English or Setswana but he listened well. As we walked through the gospel message and I drew him a picture of the cross. He stopped and said “you are my friend, because you listen.” I was shocked because all along he had been the one listening to me.
9. Find joy in simplicity
“Business is slow and competitive, but I have the Lord and He will always provide my needs,” he said. Moses our taxi driver in Botswana, had faith beyond his circumstances of life and valued the simple things like an encouraging ride home to uplift his spirits.
10. Serve daily
He cleaned and did dishes all the time without complaining. He was faithful and noticed a need and did it without expecting an applause. Steven served in the soup kitchen every week but his daily life was full of service within the church and outside.
11. Cherish Jesus
“I love Jesus,” she said. It wasn’t a I love Jesus for what He does or can give me, it was an I love Jesus for who He is. She loved Jesus naturally.
What values have you learned from others in your life?
Have you implemented them into who you are as a person?
Be encouraged and cherish people God puts in your path. He has a purpose in every person we meet. Meeting others that have these values is like meeting more of Him.
