The other day I was going on an adventure with some of my teammates. What started off as going to find a jar of peanut butter turned into a memory I never want to forget. Full of laughter, authentic community, and rejoicing in the joy of our Father through such simplicity.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the things we own and seeking superficial happiness through materialistic items and things that will only end up failing us. We think that without having the best of the best- we won’t be content. Jesus wants us to experience the great joy He has to offer in this life. With Him, He is all we need. Nothing else will satisfy.
I’ve found myself embracing the simple moments more and more each day. Life hasn’t been easy on the race- being drenched in sweat, no air conditioning, a broken sleeping pad, homesickness creeping in, and it’s only week one. But with the Lord, I’ve been able to transform my selfish, entitled heart into a grateful one that finds joy in the Lord no matter the circumstances.
This day was full of just simple everyday life things, but I found so much joy in them. From riding our bikes through the lake sized puddles (it’s monsoon season), being so intrigued to look at the Cambodian products at the grocery store, buying a $.50 chocolate and banana crepe from a street vendor (highly recommend) or watching Cara play on a seesaw with some little street kids. All of these things are just everyday life things. But when we shift our focus to the fact that we get to experience life with the Lord- all we can do is rejoice in the sweet little moments. We could have stayed home due to rain and passed up the opportunity to just experience Jesus in so many ways. He wants you to experience everlasting joy and the only way you’re going to find it is through Him. And most of the time, the greatest joy you’ll find is through the simplest moments.
PS- We didn’t even get that jar of peanut butter.
