hello lovelies,
What I want to share with you today is something that I have been thinking about for awhile, but this week really came up again in full force.
When I was in Guatemala this past summer, it hit me as an unexpected blow. It was the fact that we are so privileged, yet complain about so much. My mind sees a whirlwind of dirt floors, impoverished conditions, but still smiling faces when I think about Guatemala.
On a day to day basis in my school, I hear complaints about how long the line was in the Starbucks drive through this morning, frustrations being vented about chipped nails, and rants about the soggy tater tots in the lunch line. I’m not singling anyone out here, or even trying to deny that I’ve complained about something on this level before, either. I’m just trying to put it in perspective.
During the week, I am a teacher’s assistant in a fifth grade class. We have kids in my class from all over our city, and with a varying range of abilities, as is to be expected. However, this week, I found out that two precious boys from my class were evicted from their homes this past week and are now homeless. They are now living downtown in a homeless shelter.
At school, we have been bringing lunches and groceries for the boys. The colder weather conditions brought a huge flow of people off the streets and into homeless shelters, making the number of people staying at the Salvation Army so great that on many days, the shelters can only provide a place to stay, but no food.
Seeing these boys display enough strength to come to school each day, and still manage to complete homework and have a good attitude makes me so encouraged. Seeing them each day, I tell myself, “If those are their circumstances, yet they can still pull through and be overcomers, who am I to have a pity party for myself when I have so much to be thankful for?” If you’re in a situation & you feel brokenhearted now, meditate on these words in Matthew 11:28-30.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
And, if you’re tempted to dwell on your problems today, pray for my little boys from school and my beautiful Guatemalan friends who are all going through a lot worse right now.
Finally, I want to end with my favorite quote by Rita Schiano.
“Talking about our problems is our biggest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.”
Much love ~ xoxo
Olivia