I asked the South Africans if there was anything that they need, that I could purchase for them here and bring with me. It has brought me to tears when I reflect on the answer I was given.
Warm socks.
Their winters get down to around 40°, but they don’t have heat in their homes . Warm socks. Those two words convicted me. We have so much here, we are so spoiled. I don’t like how quickly I lose that perspective. It’s been six months since I was in Africa and I’ve already drifted back into our culture. I know that it’s only natural for this to happen but I am uncomfortable with that reality. I don’t want to live this way.
They said it was difficult to ask for things because they don’t know even what to ask for. That when they are used to living without certain things, they learn to be content with what they have.
It causes me to be disturbed with myself for all the conveniences I have and the desire and ability to have more conveniences.
I’ve had a lot happen this week, so many things fighting for my attention and to process but the only thing I can think about right now is warm socks.
Isn’t that just like God? Open your eyes Kristen. The things of this world don’t matter. Strife, accusations, trials, financial hardship, division, discomfort, insomnia.. all distractions.. what’s important to God?
Feed my sheep.
Don’t grow weary of doing good.
Bear one another’s burdens.
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said,
“Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said,
“Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
John 21:15-17
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