Extravagant Indulgence

This week I was reminded, by some beautiful Ugandan children, that true joy comes from the Lord....and these children have EVERY reason and excuse to turn inward toward their grief.

Several months ago Matthew heard that the African Children's Choir would be performing at FBC, Decatur on the morning of April 10th. He looked into it, and booked them to sing at Parkview that same day, in the evening. At that time, I had planned to take the girls to TX for Spring Break that very day; which I was REALLY looking forward to...we have not been to visit Jennifer and Shawn since we moved here, and a visit is LOOONNNNG overdue.

Then in March, God provided a job at Calhoun Comm. College for me...which I consider a miracle in itself...my contract w/Decatur City ended March 3rd; so, I applied for the umpteenth time at Calhoun. I've been trying since 2008 to get a job there and it was never the right time, until now. I was bummed about not going to TX, and so were the girls, but then we were able to be here to hear the Choir.

Matthew also signed us up to host 3 of the boys for 3 nights. Initially, I was not too thrilled about it...we don't have much space, I was not going to be here, etc....but WOW! did God show up through these three precious boys....Emmason, Frank and Joseph.

Although our time with them was very brief...3 nights and just a few hours each day, since they attended school classes at church during the day to continue their education; I became very attached to these joyful, bright, energetic, sweet, polite, loving young men...all of them eleven years old, and extremely mature, well beyond their years.

We pulled into the driveway with them after the concert Sunday night...our garage doors went up, and I felt so embarassed, so ashamed....look at our garage...5 bicycles, a game table, jump ropes, balls, bubbles, tools, tubs of junk, lawn chairs, etc... These children come from exteme poverty and as Americans, we daily pursue extravagant indulgence. I was almost sick to my stomach.

We walk in the house, they immediately take off their shoes and carry their duffle bags to Meredith's room. I open a pantry with completely stocked shelves...and our fridge and freezer as equally full; to offer them a snack. And I can't help but wonder what they are thinking. I wonder if they ever get used to it....seeing Americans, through their host families...and all the 'stuff' we have.

If I ponder it too much, it gets difficult...and I ask, "Why, God, did you allow me to be born here, in America? Poverty does exist here; but it still seems so minor compared to the destitution of war-torn countries in Africa. Why do these boys and girls have to be acquainted with such deep grief at such young ages? It does not seem fair."  Many of them have lost one parent, and some both parents. The children are chosen for this Choir, and it gives them a chance to know Christ, learn English, and receive an education.

Even with such difficult circumstances, these precious children have the most INCREDIBLE joy...expressed through their voices, dance, music and smiles. Their smiles....I will never forget. I am soooo thankful to have had them in our home.

I went to Wal-Mart on Tues. and saw it differently and thought....our culture...we are soooo wealthy compared to the rest of the world....what are we doing with our extravagant indulgences? Are we using them for selfish ambition and personal gain? Do we seek to bless others by generously giving from the abundance He has given to us?

Moreover, as Christians...what are we doing with ALL He has given us? Do we work, day after day, for the paycheck, so we can buy more 'stuff' we don't need? Or do we view it as a tool to bless others? It's times like these when I like to reflect and take a self-inventory...God, what are you calling me to do? How can I 'purge' some things from my life that get in the way of hearing Your voice? What are you calling me to give up, so I can then bless someone else? Am I even giving sacrificially, or am I giving to make myself feel better, knowing full well my 'gifts' truly cost me nothing? Oh, how I wish I had the faith of the widow...who gave her mite...ALL that she had.

My goodness....can you EVEN imagine, if we really did that? Gave all that we had, to His glory and His renown? Now that might change the world and bring a testimony that is long overdue.

Thank-You, Jesus, for speaking through the beautiful children of the African Children's Choir. Please bless them, protect them, guide them.