Perspective

I’ve been pretty stressed over the last few days.

I’ve been worried about the number of things I want to get done before I leave on this trip.
I’ve been frustrated because my son wasn’t eating the food that was on his plate.
I’ve been upset about a slow internet connection.
I’ve been annoyed because of the many cars on the road when I was already running late.
I’ve been discouraged with the clutter lying around my house.

As I reflect on the tension I feel, I realize a common thread.

I am not stressed because of scarcity; I am stressed because of abundance.

From one perspective, the people of La Merced have much less than we do. They are a poor village. They live a simple life. They live in scarcity.

From another perspective, the people of La Merced have much more than we do. American stress if foreign to them. They aren’t stressed by running late because they are more interested in relationships than routines. They aren’t stressed by clutter, because they not only have less, they are content with less. Their belongings may be scarce, but their existence is abundant.

So, as I look towards leaving in a week, I am excited. I am not only excited for what I will give, but what I will gain. I am excited for a new perspective.

Steph