The Beauty of Simplicity

I have always lived a simple life. Recently I feel like I've become more content with it and have even come to appreciate it and thank God for the lifestyle He allowed me to have. I think that's why I was able to identify a little more with the people in Mexico this past week. I never had a lot and neither did they…but even then, I feel like I still have been given more than them in a way. The low class category in America is way different than the low class in Mexico.

In Mexico, the women are so hospitable. I have always known this from looking at how my mom used to host random people in our house for days, weeks, even months at a time. They want to share everything they have, even if it's not much. They want to know everything about foreigners and will listen intently as we speak Americanized Spanish to them. They try their hardest to make visitors feel welcome- it's like it comes naturally to them. Friends, to them, are for a lifetime, not only for the week or a month or however long visitors last. Being part of mission trips in Mexico and having been raised in a Mexican home gave me an immense appreciation for our culture and for the country itself.

Last week, I wore the same pair of dirty jeans every day. I didn't do my hair or makeup. I had no access to a mirror. I was too tired at the end and start of the days to add a work out. All these things bothered me pretty much every day and I was convicted about being so materialistic on a mission trip. I wondered if the ladies owned mirrors, not because they looked bad but because they seemed so humble and looking "pretty" or "made up" seemed to be the least of their concerns. They were beautiful. They were natural. They were content.

All in all, it felt so liberating to not worry about the things I worry about in Texas. I didn't have to worry about work, school, phone, email, or homework. I didn't feel the need to listen to my ipod and finding clothes to wear was so easy since my only options were work t-shirts, one pair of jeans, and tennis shoes.

Life was beautiful last week. It was like the status quo of America didn't exist in my mind and I loved it. While I'm thanking God for the little things I take for granted daily, I'm also thanking Him for the things I don't have and didn't have growing up. I know and believe in my heart that my past happened the way it did to prepare me and mold me for the future He has for me. I'm more excited than ever to see what the future holds.