So as you can imagine, living in a third world nation with large scale poverty will definitely make you aware of things we have been blessed with in an affluent country like the United States. Even most people in America that we would consider poor live much better than many people here. When you cut grass with a machete and wash cloths in a bucket, it makes you aware of how blessed you are to have lawn mowers and washing machines.
But there is more to it than that. More than just machines to make things easier. More than technology and comforts. I think we take experiences for granted when we have so much as well. Yes, I said "experiences".
I like to fish. I like to catch fish. I like to eat fish. I like the process of learning what tricks it takes to get a fish to bite. I like being outdoors and standing at the edge of a river or lake as the sun rises in the morning. I like the feel of standing waist deep in the local river and making a long cast to the head of a nice pool. I like the anticipation of that first cast, and wondering if this is the day that the fish will be "on". I like fishing with a buddy and the conversations we have. I like fishing on the pontoon with my dad at the lake. I've even learned to like the time that I've spent fishing and not even getting a bite! These are all experiences that are way more than just fishing. And don't get me wrong. I've also learned to be very thankful to God for allowing me to have those experiences.
But I realized this week that I've still taken those kind of experiences for granted way more often than I should. See, Dad sent me a picture of a nice mess of fish he caught at the lake this past weekend. They looked awesome! My mind immediately began replaying some of my past experiences, and I realized how much of a blessing those experiences are. Experiences that all to often don't even get a second thought when they are things we can do whenever we want, without any real limitations.
See, here in Ghana, fishing is different. There is no sport fishing. There is no relaxing evening watching a bobber and hoping for a bite. I have not even seen a rod and reel since I've been here. For those living in the coastal area or near Lake Volta, fishing is something that provides and income, or feeds your family...if you can catch a fish. The fish that Dad sent a picture of would probably be worth several weeks wages for a fisherman here. Fishing here isn't so much an enjoyable experience as it is a way of survival for some. Its difficult and tiring.
Please don't think I'm talking about bad conditions here in Ghana, or that its wrong to enjoy things like this in the U.S. These thoughts I'm writing down actually have nothing to do with fishing at all. Fishing just happens to be the example that I'm using. The point here is this. We shouldn't just be thankful for material things, or family or health, but also for the experiences that God blesses us with. Time that we can spend building relationships. Time and experiences where we can reflect on Gods creation and just be in awe of Him. I've realized that I have taken many things for granted in life that are often easy to overlook. Life really is more than stuff and accomplishments. I have a new appreciation for some of these often "routine" experiences in my life. I am also learning that a good way to practice what Jesus said in scripture; to store up treasures in Heaven and not be ruled by materialism, is to realize that God can be found in our experiences much sooner than he can be found in our stuff. We realize through our experiences that God is at work in everything we do, and the experiences become more important than the stuff we use.
Thank God for what you have. But also be sure to thank God for every gift and talent you have. Every ability. Every relationship. The time you have, for even the number of your days is in his hands. Thank Him for all you have that cant be replaced. I promise you, thinking this way will help you move away from materialism and closer to the heart of God.
Cayle
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