Finding castles in slums
Learning that time spent for others brings meaning to our lives
April 2, 2008
Heidi Thiessen
“I’ve had good and I’ve had bad – I like the good better.” Ah yes, the family “motto” that evolved from travelling to numerous places on this globe. It started as an inside joke, but the more I contemplate its meaning, the more I realize it holds true for me. I honestly can’t recall a time where I truly lacked anything. But even with everything I have, I still want more. And by more, I mean less. Confusing? Let me explain.
God has given me many opportunities over the last seven years to help with missions work in Jamaica, China, Russia, England, and Sacramento. But it wasn’t until I travelled to New Orleans with a group from Trinity Western University that I realized how God was changing me. What I once dreamed of having is slowly being replaced with a desire to be content in whatever circumstance God puts me in. In essence, God is telling me to let go of what I want for my future and trust in Him.
Almost three years have passed since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans leaving behind a broken city and many displaced families. The work of rebuilding is always ongoing, but there is still much to be done. People are struggling to survive after losing their possessions to the flooding waters that breached the levy protecting their homes. The human suffering I saw made my needs seem insignificant in comparison.
I was struck that despite their losses they displayed an attitude of graciousness and love that transcended their tragic circumstances. Their willingness to share came from a deep appreciation for those that had come to help them. I learned that while mission trips give me the opportunity to show God’s love to people, God is revealing himself to me through the love of the people I am serving.
Our team spent the week putting up sheet rock in a Baptist church. Three members of this church brought us lunch one day and I will never forget it. Homemade fried chicken and jambalaya – what a feast! They sacrificed their money and hours of their time to give what they could when they didn’t have to. It was a blessing.
This seemingly small act of generosity gave a sense of meaning to our morning devotions. When you have nothing, God is everything you need and you fully depend on Him and trust in Him. But when you have everything, there is a tendency to make God small and fit Him into your busy schedule.
I thought I had everything, but where did God fit into my life? I’ll admit that I needed an attitude adjustment and a change of perspective. Through my travels, God has been teaching me to see things through His eyes and realize that I have everything in Him. While I still like the “good” better, I am trusting God for it rather than seeking it. God has replaced my desires with His desires. And if He leads me to a mud hut in Africa, then that hut will be my castle.
Now you go...
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