I've finally, as of today...removed all evidence of Christmas decorations from the house. It was kinda sad, but as I sit here very late...or very early in the morning (depends on how you look at it), I'm reminded of simplicity. No, compared to the homes of the Dominicans, my home isn't simple...but without all the 'halls decked' and having been there way for a month and a half...it now looks 'normal' yet abundantly simple. I look around and for some reason it gives me pause...and realize how blessed I am. I can't see the outside through my walls, for there are no cracks, I can turn on a faucet and get fresh, clean, bacteria free water to drink. I can open my cabinets to find nourishment...selfishly realizing that often times it's there...just now what I want. My husband is asleep in our bed...nice, warm, with blankets, pillows. While we in no way live in a lavish, enormous home...our needs are met, we want for nothing. I have healthcare, a job, a ways to travel to and from...then I then catch a look at a picture on mantel...one that's been there since our trip to the DR, 2 years ago...we were there when the Haiti earthquake occured, we were blessed enough to cross paths with several of the victims. On my mantel...still is a picture of a little girl and her dad, that will forever remind me of God's Grace and sweet tender Mercy.
So, this day...to my suitcase, I add thankfulness and blessings. I used to want a big house, but what I have is a mansion compared to those in the DR....yet, THEY teach me so much about being blessed, having enough, and simplicity as it's best.
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has to think with deep gratitude, of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer
