I just finished packing my first box in preparation for the transition to Haiti. 48.5 lbs and there's no way anything will shift as every single space in that box was put to use. If we all have a quirky skill we're blessed with, organizational packing is mine.
I love remembering Spring break my freshman year. Five of my college girlfriends and I went home to spend time with our families the first few days and then met at my roommates house in Bluffton, SC (close to Hilton Head) for the most memorable road trip I've ever been on to Florida. We discovered upon returning to Bluffton that we had more stuff than we thought could fit into the 2 cars to make the return trip back to Gardner-Webb. (Hey, with 6 college students, of course we had 2 weeks worth of dirty laundry that we took home to mom for the break!) So, it was either leave stuff at Laura's house to get later in the school year or strap a car-top carrier on the top of my 2-door Honda Civic. I knew, though, that if we thought out of the box, we could fit everything. Do you know how much can be placed around a spare tire in it's storage space? We do!
And now, as I'm packing, I'm trying to make good use of every square inch of space that I have. (Too bad weight is an issue when you fly on an airplane.) Couldn't that apply to our lives as well... put to use everything that God has blessed us with?
One thing that we tend to focus on when visiting a developing country is how those that live there are lacking in material possessions. Yet, I have seen how many of those individuals are not only blessed in so many other ways (freedom, opportunities, resources, faith), but how they put those blessings to use in furthering God's kingdom. I truly believe that God gives to His children so we can give to others. While I could list numerous ways of how I have been blessed by individuals during my time in China, Haiti, and Guatemala, I look within myself and ask, “Do I do the same with what I am given?” Unfortunately, I discover how selfish I tend to be, hoarding God's blessings for myself rather than helping others from my abundance. I am continually reminded of how much I have here in America. It's so easy to desire and pursue more and more if I'm not careful. It is my prayer that I cultivate faithfulness in the little I am given so that I will build wealth where it matters most (Matt. 25:14-30).
I love remembering Spring break my freshman year. Five of my college girlfriends and I went home to spend time with our families the first few days and then met at my roommates house in Bluffton, SC (close to Hilton Head) for the most memorable road trip I've ever been on to Florida. We discovered upon returning to Bluffton that we had more stuff than we thought could fit into the 2 cars to make the return trip back to Gardner-Webb. (Hey, with 6 college students, of course we had 2 weeks worth of dirty laundry that we took home to mom for the break!) So, it was either leave stuff at Laura's house to get later in the school year or strap a car-top carrier on the top of my 2-door Honda Civic. I knew, though, that if we thought out of the box, we could fit everything. Do you know how much can be placed around a spare tire in it's storage space? We do!
And now, as I'm packing, I'm trying to make good use of every square inch of space that I have. (Too bad weight is an issue when you fly on an airplane.) Couldn't that apply to our lives as well... put to use everything that God has blessed us with?
One thing that we tend to focus on when visiting a developing country is how those that live there are lacking in material possessions. Yet, I have seen how many of those individuals are not only blessed in so many other ways (freedom, opportunities, resources, faith), but how they put those blessings to use in furthering God's kingdom. I truly believe that God gives to His children so we can give to others. While I could list numerous ways of how I have been blessed by individuals during my time in China, Haiti, and Guatemala, I look within myself and ask, “Do I do the same with what I am given?” Unfortunately, I discover how selfish I tend to be, hoarding God's blessings for myself rather than helping others from my abundance. I am continually reminded of how much I have here in America. It's so easy to desire and pursue more and more if I'm not careful. It is my prayer that I cultivate faithfulness in the little I am given so that I will build wealth where it matters most (Matt. 25:14-30).
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