Life as a missionary can be summed up in a few words-
random, unusual, dirty, diarrhea, challenging self-sacrificial, humbling, worthwhile,
exciting and adventurous.
I have experienced an abundance of all of the above this past month. There are
peaks and valleys and whether I am in the valley of the shadow of death or on
the peaks of bliss and delight I’m learning to be thankful in all situations. Whether
I am eating a few pieces of white bread and butter for the tenth day in a row
or eating a delicious honey roasted chicken with mash potatoes, macadamia nut
stuffing and apple crisp with ice cream for dessert (Thanksgiving meal at
Mabuya Hostel in Lilongwe, Malawi) I am called to be consistent in my
thankfulness. Of course Thanksgiving Day was incredibly easy to be thankful,
but how about the time I was served that African-knockoff-Spam for dinner? I
don’t think I said any thanks, rather I mumbled some unmentionable words under
my breath.
I truly think God
didn’t think much of it when I gave thanks on Thanksgiving day because it was
so easy to be thankful, but he was interested when I received the spam. I could
see Him leaning forward on His chair and hear him saying to Himself, ‘Ok, let’s see how he responds.’ It is
only when we are challenged that our true character comes out and that is what
God really cares about.
