Smol tok nomo |
Smol tok nomo |
Why yes, yes I did grow up in the south. Texas to be exact. I didn't live with my "Grandpa and Grandma" I lived with my "Papaw and Granny". When I think of all the wisdom passed down from these two people some of the gems that come to mind are "always seek truth" "pray for wisdom" and Pawpaws famous "always be a giver Jennifer, not a taker. There are givers and takers in life. You wanna be one of the givers."
Come to think of it maybe that is why when people think I am crazy to live on the other side of the world in a half cement half bamboo house without modern conveniences such as washers or microwaves I think they are crazy not to want to! Its in my blood. My destiny if I can be so bold. I want to give. Sure I am not so arrogant to think I have some amazing gift to give that no one else has. I have a life. Just one of them. Same as you or the next person. Giving it to help a people I have fallen in love with seems elementary really. Not so much sacrificial, a very satisfying and rewarding life. So here is the catch, here is where the "Mama" comes in. Somewhere there is a selfish very human view inside me that says my kids are gonna grow up without McDonalds (not sure that is really a bad thing) without cool girlfriends with the latest toys, gadgets and tennis shoes (lets face it we can't afford to keep up with the Jones' anyhow) but without Grandparents!?!?! These magnificently grand people, people who played the very role in my life that caused me to take the road into missions. That is hard to swallow and yet... There is always another side. I have learned something. God not only allowed but caused these children to be placed in this very family. This same family that He called to serve on the other side of the world. He is the Father of all, do I doubt Him? His love is much greater for them than even mine. Did He perhaps have this in mind when He placed them in a family with Grandparents who will make an extraordinary effort to remain a huge part of their lives even from the other side of the globe? Is the opportunity to raise kids without the bias that comes from what brand your shoes are or even for some what color your skin is a bad thing? Might these two little ones be lucky in some ways? Spending their days climbing Papaya trees and playing football (soccer) with the local kids sounds like a life most kids might enjoy. So it is when I think of my kids and the sacrifices they will make I also see the great privilege they will be given. Knowing the character of God I cannot doubt that He will bless them being a part of the ministry He placed them in. Knowing God and His faithfulness I will have to ask Papaw when I get to heaven "Was I really the giver here or was I the taker. Taking the life Christ gave me and all the blessings he bestowed on my sweet little girls." Maybe thats what Papaw meant when he'd quote "it is more blessed to give than to receive." usually followed by "shut that door we aren't trying to air condition all of Texas" but that is another blog all together.
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AuthorWife, Mother, Missionary, Teacher, Friend ... just a few of the many titles I gladly wear. Never dreamed this is the journey God would take me on. Archives
July 2022
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