A year ago, I was waiting in the airport to board my flight to embark upon a new adventure in the mysterious land of Switzerland. I sat there and cried looking out on the sunset in O’Hare airport, thinking about how my family loved to watch sunsets together and maybe in Switzerland they don’t have sunsets or I wouldn’t find anyone to sit with me and enjoy the beauty of nature. Seriously, I know I was a bit overdramatic.
This last year has brought about so many new experiences, that I would not trade for the world. Jetzt spreche ich Deutsch und e bitz Schwitzerdütsch. I have learned about the intriguing Swiss culture, which in turn has made me thankful for my dear American culture …ich mache Witz meine Schweize Freunde;). I have seen breathtaking views and traveled to see 8 beautiful countries. I’ve made new friends from all over the world and tried to keep in touch with the old. Now all of these experiences have been great, but do not compare to what God has accomplished in my life and the lives of those around me.
Seeing a new country could never beat the high of seeing someone give his or her life to Jesus. Learning a new language does not compare to witnessing a person healed from an illness that they’ve been suffering from for 10 years. Being emerged in a new culture is nothing compared to God hearing the prayers of His children and faithfully answering them. Making new friends is great but (again) it doesn’t measure up to allowing God use you as a tool in someones life to bring His love for the first time to their life.
I’ve learned life can be a beautiful thing, with or without God. There are always beautiful places to see, beautiful relationships to be had, and beautiful things to learn. The difference is that a life with God is rich. I like the example in the book The Shack, where William P. Young writes that we are like birds walking on the ground when we live in the world without God. When God comes into our lives we become birds that can fly. God created this life with the intention that we allow Him to work in our lives and teach us to fly. We miss living a life to the full potential that this world has to offer, when we live without God. Yes, we can see beautiful things, have crazy experiences, great relationship, but all of these things are ultimately enhanced when God enters into our walk with us.
