Thankfulness

Hey y'all
My life recently has been a great lesson on thankfulness, a lesson that I didn't know I still really had to learn at such a deep level. But here I am, humbled to my core, wishing I wasn't so materialistic. I moved in with my host family yesterday and it was not what I had been expecting. The language barrier and the lack of homey comforts has left me struggling for calm in my heart. I didn't realize how good we really do have it in America.... but I challenge each of you, in every struggle you are going through, concentrate on being thankful. Then see what happens. You might be surprised. Be thankful for warm showers. Be thankful for education that can run you ragged ( because of future benefits and character shaping :) ), for a simple thing such as your ability to speak fluent English, for laundry, for plumbing in general, for the little things in life that you don't even realize go so smoothly and so easily. Be thankful for all the little details that people do in the day to make your life easier at Westmont or even in the community. Be thankful for the beautiful country you were born into. We spend so much time in life wishing, wanting, planning and groping for something more, something we believe is right in front of us, within reach if we really concentrate on obtaining it... but really, look at what is already before you. Don't ignore God's blessings to you that are right in front of your face! Even if you don't live in a 'dream home' by America's standards..... you live in a home and in a country that so many people idolize. Even if you don't have the latest gadget or the same quality car as a neighbor, are you really missing out? Don't play the comparisson game. It kills joy ( as was posted all over Westmont campus at one time). I am not typing this message in a point-my-finger sort of way, I am speaking to my own soul as well. I am being totally convicted. Layed bare. You may be trying to gain comfort and benefits by fighting to gain what you don't have yet, but I am trying to let you all know that comparing and worring about the little things instead of trusting completely in God for those little details and big situations kills life!
I have it so much easier than you all in understanding and desiring thankfulness because I am in a new environment, in a new situation and a different culture that screams at my heart to grow up and be thankful. But you are still in the situation that you are used to. You are still in school and still at home working at the same job, doing the same routine, eating the same food, sleeping in the same bed, loving the same people. You don't have the benefit I do of being directly confronted, but I am going to challenge you directly anyway. Look for new ways to love, to consume life and to conquer the difficult aspects of your everyday life. I want your lives to be affected in some way or another through this trip I am on, whether you read this and know what my deep thoughts consist of, or if you decide to challenge yourself, my goal is accomplished. I really do love sharing my thoughts as it humbles me because they are not always a good set of thoughts to have.... but I am blessed to write to you. Thank you for reading and for sending your love my way through either thought or prayer.
Prayer requests: for the desire to be with my host family, for emotional strength, for health as I may not be getting the best sleep in my new bed for the next couple of months, and for my ability to look at each situation through new eyes. I want the deeper taste of life, I ask to find it by losing selfish thoughts.
Love sent your way from across the globe,
Katie