“If any of you wants to be a follower,’ he told them “you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross and follow me. If you try to keep you life for yourself, you will lose it but if you give your life for my sake and for the sake of the good news you will find true life.’”
Mark 8:34-35
I’m going to be honest; I’m selfish. I hate that I am so selfish about everything: my time, food, energy, and just about anything else. One of the reasons I wanted to be a student missionary is that I wanted to stop being selfish (a pretty selfish reason don’t you think?). I don’t think life should only be about your desires and needs but about the people around you. God made so many other beautiful people in the world and I want to look at each one of them as beautiful individuals that deserve the same opportunities that I have received. I also believe that we should share the things that we have been so blessed to receive. I wish I could say that I am completely cured from my selfishness because I am now a missionary but I am not. It may be a journey that will take a lifetime but Bangladesh has definitely helped me become more selfless.
The villagers are some of the most selfless people I know. Today as I was running on the playground chasing kids I stopped for a moment and looked at this old Hindu lady who was along the fence. I sent a huge grin her way and said, “Nomashcar” and then continued playing. This made her so excited and so she signaled Mehtali over and began to have her translate for her. She was so happy that I was nice to her and she thought I was pretty. Then she invited Mehtali and I over for dinner at her house. I had just eaten dinner so I told her thank you. A smile still lingered on her face as she turned to leave.
It really got me thinking. This woman probably has very little money and food and yet she is inviting a “rich” American girl over to her house to eat her food. I’ve seen the villagers out everyday harvesting their rice in the hot sun just so they can have food to eat and yet they are so willing to share with me when they clearly need it more. How often have I not shared something because I wanted it for myself? It probably happens everyday.
The people here seem to give until it hurts and I’m starting to feel this question form in my mind: what would happen if I gave until it hurt? Would I find that it wouldn’t hurt as bad as I had previously conceived? I believe that once we learn to give all that we have (our whole lives) that we do really find that “true life” that Jesus talks about.
Mark 8:34-35
I’m going to be honest; I’m selfish. I hate that I am so selfish about everything: my time, food, energy, and just about anything else. One of the reasons I wanted to be a student missionary is that I wanted to stop being selfish (a pretty selfish reason don’t you think?). I don’t think life should only be about your desires and needs but about the people around you. God made so many other beautiful people in the world and I want to look at each one of them as beautiful individuals that deserve the same opportunities that I have received. I also believe that we should share the things that we have been so blessed to receive. I wish I could say that I am completely cured from my selfishness because I am now a missionary but I am not. It may be a journey that will take a lifetime but Bangladesh has definitely helped me become more selfless.
The villagers are some of the most selfless people I know. Today as I was running on the playground chasing kids I stopped for a moment and looked at this old Hindu lady who was along the fence. I sent a huge grin her way and said, “Nomashcar” and then continued playing. This made her so excited and so she signaled Mehtali over and began to have her translate for her. She was so happy that I was nice to her and she thought I was pretty. Then she invited Mehtali and I over for dinner at her house. I had just eaten dinner so I told her thank you. A smile still lingered on her face as she turned to leave.
It really got me thinking. This woman probably has very little money and food and yet she is inviting a “rich” American girl over to her house to eat her food. I’ve seen the villagers out everyday harvesting their rice in the hot sun just so they can have food to eat and yet they are so willing to share with me when they clearly need it more. How often have I not shared something because I wanted it for myself? It probably happens everyday.
The people here seem to give until it hurts and I’m starting to feel this question form in my mind: what would happen if I gave until it hurt? Would I find that it wouldn’t hurt as bad as I had previously conceived? I believe that once we learn to give all that we have (our whole lives) that we do really find that “true life” that Jesus talks about.
Just like the woman that give her last meal to the prophet Elijah, she only have enough for her and her son, and then wait for their dead, but she was willing to make a meal to the prophet thinking that there won't be enough for her and her son, eve though she could not see pass the present she obey and her life and son's life was preserve!! we all are selfish (whether we like or not) but God uses everything to perfect our character and our faith, He expects us to be just like Jesus therefore we need to be willing and open to learn that lesson. Thank you for remind us of that important lesson!!!
ReplyDeleteI get really encouraged everytime I read your blog. It really is amazing how much you are letting Christ live through you. As you know I have been to a lot of other countries and it seems like the less they have the better off they are. Just look at at the fun things we have here in America, there really just stupid distractions that try and keep us from doing what we are suppose to be doing.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of my favorite verses! You are right Channy - we have so much and seem to always be wishing for more so that we can be "happy." Happiness certainly does not come from things, it only comes from a true relationship with Jesus - thanks for reminding me of that. Love you and miss you.
ReplyDelete