This photograph was taken this past summer during a mission journey. I was sitting on the plane, awaiting the departure from Lima,Peru back to the States. On my wrist are all the bracelets I bought during the mission journey to Peru. Some were bought at the Inca market with my best friend Whitney Stephenson, and some were made by a friend Eddinson, who lived in the village where we stayed.
As I was looking through old photographs from the trip, I thought that this one in a way resembles what most people look for in mission trips. They want to say "been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt ( in this case, the bracelet)" Sometimes, even showing their physical items of experience rather than allowing God to be glorified through their spiritual growth. The deeper motivation for going on mission journeys is because the Lord called you to spread the gospel to all nations. However, sometimes Satan can attack my heart in such a way that momentary distractions can creep into my life, and from what I know my purpose should be.
Personally, i love traveling to other countries. Taking souvenirs home with me is all part of the experience. But, honestly sometimes my heart can be so consumed with what I am taking back with me tangibly, that I forget what I am leaving behind spiritually. In the same manner, we can examine our lives to this same concept. Are we being so consumed with all the souvenirs of this life, that we forget the purpose God has for us here on Earth?
i like this. it's a really good reminder.
ReplyDeleteand that's a lot of bracelets. :)
also, just so you know, you spelled bracelet, bracelete in the title.
whoa! your blog just changed.
ReplyDeletehaha.
ReplyDeleteman, i need to work on my spelling. :)