Why is it so easy to focus on the negative? Why can I not be so excited to say: We have had really good electricity? or Darlena and I have been learning a lot in our Bible studies? or friends are here visiting me with their kids? or I found Almond Milk in the store? or a widow giving me two doves?
Instead, I want to go off on how, as I type this now, we don’t have electricity. or my toaster is dead, along with my microwave. or i had weird bites on my leg that were so itchy. or I have difficulties in what i am doing this week. or that it is hot.
I guess, i want people to feel bad for me. I want that pat on the back of, “you are doing such a good job.” or “look at you and all your sacrifices.”
But then, i read a quote from a missionary, David Livingstone.
Forbid that we should ever consider the holding of a commission from the King of Kings a sacrifice, so long as other men esteem the service of an earthy government as an honor. I am a missionary, heart and soul. God Himself had an only Son, and He was a missionary... A poor, poor imitation I am, or wish to be, but in this service I hope to live. In it I wish to die. I still prefer poverty and missions service to riches and ease. This is my choice.
True. Let me prefer poverty and missions service to riches. What sacrifice? I remember a missionary telling me, “I GET TO DO THIS!” and I have thought about that over and over. I get to do this. I get to be here. I get to have adventure. I get to meet people different than me. I get to use my gifts. I get to walk by faith. When I think of all I get, all I get to do, there is joy. Then it is easier to turn from what I think is sacrifice and to turn to the Lord and say, “thank you.”
Doves…before.
After…yummy, but not much meat on these little things.