Reflections

Among the many blessings with which I returned home after 10 days in Guatemala were the following “perspectives.”

Guatemala taught me that:

•  “We,” (Americans generally, I and the mouse in my pocket, specifically) have been deluded into thinking we are “blessed.” We are not blessed; we are spoiled. As a result, we are materialistic. We define ourselves by our worldly accomplishments and possessions. We amass material treasures because in wealth we find security, comfort, and the satisfaction of our desires. We are proud of ourselves and, if we think about it at all, we figure that either A.) we deserve the things we have worked hard to acquire or that B.) God, for some reason has smiled particularly upon us. What if the very lifestyle we consider “blessed” is actually the greatest obstacle to “blessed-ness?” What if the “favor” we enjoy is actually that which poses the greatest peril to our souls?                                                                                                                         

•  “We” (the mouse and I) suffer greatly from a lack of global awareness and that to go on living as though the only bubble that counts is this one… is not an option.                                                                                                                                 

•   “Americanizing” a struggling country would IN NO WAY be doing that country a favor…. that Americans can best help by respecting the culture they desire to serve and empowering its citizens to achieve their goals, not ours.                                                        

•  Those who work hard, have less, and live simply are happier than those who play hard, have more, and live complicated lives.                                                                                                         

•  God’s love reaches through any language barriers because smiles, hugs, and kindness in general are universal.

Sisters selling scarves on the street of Antigua.