The last couple of weeks as I've continued to settle in back home with
work, church, and people in general I have been learning valuable
lessons. Lessons in stress free living... or less-stress living might be
more accurate! Something I have noticed about myself when I travel is
that I'm well... sounds crazy right?! Doesn't make sense? Here's the
thing, when I'm in the states, working and striving and walking through
life, I find I'm taking things on that aren't mine to own. I'm worried
about things I have no control over... Moreover, I have weird health issues that rise up. When I'm out of the country... no matter where I travel, I'm doing so freely. No stress, no worry, NO health issues... I'm well. You'd think I would have noticed a long time ago.. I go on at least one trip a year so certainly I should have figured it out by now... RIGHT?! Um... yeah, not so much... In fact I'm realizing just how much my body is being affected, especially internally. I do believe that some of it is spiritual but some of it is within my capacity to change.
As some of you may have read or heard, while I was in Nepal I spent the entire week with no luggage! Yep! My bag was the only one that didn't make it! It sat in LA for days before making it to Nepal and finally the day we headed back for the states I was allowed to pick it up from the airport. That week I was left to use the items I had packed in my carry on and then the items that the team so graciously gave or loaned to me. It was a week of borrowing socks, and washing clothes in the shower, allowing them to hang over a banister to dry. It was a week of Nepali soap and shampoo, no journal, no Bible.... And as you may have also heard me say already, it was the most life changing week I've ever experienced. I didn't need my shampoo to get through the week. I didn't even need my own Bible... I know... call me sacrilegious! Was I upset about not having the piece of luggage? Sure. Was I stressed about it... no! I quickly came to terms with the fact that I may or may not see my things..... EVER again... of course one of the amazing ladies there called several times for me to see where my bag could be but after the first day I reminded myself, I was there because there was a purpose, a mission, a people.... lives.... hanging in the balance. It wouldn't have mattered if I couldn't shower all week, or if I had to wear the same clothes. None of that matters when it comes to Eternity. None of it.
The thing is.. I'm learning the same is true here. It doesn't matter what I drive, it doesn't matter if I have cable, it doesn't matter if I carry a designer bag or wear make up. It doesn't matter what my title is or whether I'm involved in every activity possible. What matters is that I listen. That I watch. That I'm walking hand in hand with Jesus every day. That I'm loving people, hugging people, and giving the way Jesus would. Having said that, I'm learning to let go. I'm learning to say no, to delegate. I'm learning that I'm one person who can only do so much and that "so much" needs to start with what the Lord has for me that day. I can't worry about pleasing everyone. I can't make things perfect. What I can do is listen to the Lord. Be obedient. Do my best, and of course remember to take care of myself. Please understand I'm not suggesting it's ok to throw caution to the wind. Neither am I suggesting wandering around looking like a vagabond. There is balance. I have noticed upon returning and sometimes having to "force" myself to adhere to these things I have felt better. I have more peace. I feel more organized.
My challenge to all of you, as I often do: Evaluate where you're at. Evaluate your stress level. Are you trying hard to please people? Are you signing up as a volunteer for every activity popping up in church? (I'm not implying it's bad to volunteer) Are you spending time each morning asking your Maker what His plans are for the day? Try it! Try letting go of concern about what others think of you. Try saying no to something this week....I dare you!! Why? Because someone's life is hanging in the balance, even here. Someone is in need of a friend, a hug. If you're wrapped up in your things, your stress, your worry, even your activities, you could be taking away from what the Lord wants you to do!
Here's to obedience.... here's to letting go!!! (See told ya I wouldn't sing!)
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