Day Two: Automatic Focus

Noah and his sweet-looking MILO mustache.

Mini-Series: Why I Love Living In Cambodia
Day Two: Automatic Focus

It's amazing how crystal clear life becomes when it's stripped away from distractions, comforts, and busyness.

Our life in Cambodia is very simple. We pour our energy into three things: Logos, Family, and the Church. Our community overlaps with these three circles. It's simple. I don't have to struggle with many different options of things to be involved with, what event to attend, or whom to spend time with.

Because life here doesn't have a lot of frills and distractions (which I do sometimes crave), we are continually reminded of our purpose for being here. While we are here we want to pour every ounce of energy and passion to living this life, right now, right here in Cambodia, for the Lord. I don't want to spend it wishing I were somewhere else with different circumstances (although sometimes I do!).

There are many times sadness creeps in as we realize we are missing out on years with family that we can never get back. But then we remind ourselves of the purpose of our lives. For us, that means living to serve God in whatever capacity He has called us, and right now that means Cambodia.

So, it's okay. When I'm tempted to feel a tinge of jealousy or longing when I see the homes of friends--not just a place filled with nice things, but a place to plant your roots--I am reminded that it's not the life God is calling me to right now. Maybe someday, but not now. When I feel anxious that somehow we are far behind in the pursuit of providing for ourselves with a house and savings God brings to mind that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He would give this to us if we needed it.

But we don't, not now.

We have food, healthy children, a comfortable place to call home, peace and joy in our marriage, friendships with many believers here, a Savior, and purpose in our everyday work at home and school. I'm not trying to paint of picture that our lives are perfect or we somehow live a superior calling because we are here. Far from it! But I am saying that He provides everything and knows what each believer needs. He has blessed our family in so many ways that it comforts me to know that He knows what we need. He provides the strength to serve Him in whatever capacity He has called us.

Many of the things I desire (career, financial establishment, time with family, a home) simply cannot exist right now, even though they are good things. But when I consider changing roads, there is no peace. He has made the focus of our life clear. Maybe He will call us to serve in a different capacity, but I hope that the focus and purpose of our lives will always remain crystal clear, loving the Lord our God with all our heart and soul.

P.S. I hope you don't think I'm sounding preachy or assuming to be very insightful. I'm not imparting some great knowledge that I have (because that department is non-existent, trust me) but rather, I am stumbling along in my own faith, taking steps backwards sometimes, but desiring to understand my life in Christ and live it with all of my heart. Writing it down helps me to analyze and reflect on all these things buzzing about in my head. Thanks for listening :).