It’s not all about making yourself suffer but being open to every moment of blessings.
This past month, I’ve been blessed to encounter a family away from home. What do I mean by that?
I’ve always thought that if I’m comfortable or it’s an idea that brings comfort, then I should avoid it or find ways to make myself uncomfortable (because if I’m too comfortable it might become a vacation rather than mission po hehe). Especially in my provincial immersion in the first few days when they offered to sleep in the air conditioned room, I would say “it’s ok po you don’t need to”. While sharing and processing with a full time worker in the area, she reminded me that as a missionary you don’t always have to avoid good things because those are blessings. They are blessings that the family wants to share with you po. As missionaries, it’s not about making yourself ‘suffer’ or making sure you’re not getting the greatest treatment but just to have a grateful heart. Be grateful for everything that is shared with you (food, home, family, etc.) and in return be a blessing and give all that you can in return (time, a listening ear, sharings, jokes, talents etc.).
Also I was reminded that every home or family you enter becomes a family away from home (comfort to the heart). It is the blessing of this community, where ever you go there is a home away from home and I thank and praise God for that. I miss my family but The Lord has His ways to fill the home sickness through the people I’ve met these 3 months po hehe.
Lord, thank you for the blessings and love that we don’t ask for but you know we need. Continuously mould our hearts into a grateful one and use us as vessels of Your love and blessing to those we meet and into the houses we enter. Amen.