A small wooden structure comes into view. We walk further back to the house and make our delivery. On our way back we hear a baby's cry! We ask to see the new baby, and are invited into the house.
Light filters into the house through cracks between the boards that form walls. A tin roof covers our heads from the misting rain. A cooking fire burns in the elevated hearth in the corner. Smoke wafts around the room and disappears overhead. A typical dwelling of Belize's poor. A few prices of furniture are scattered about. The floor is a rough mixture of dirt and random, pitted concrete. A door stands open to the the next room. A peak inside shows its use as the only bedroom. There is no running water and no signs of electricity. This is home to a family with 7 children. The father cannot work. He has physical and mental health issues and cannot function in the workplace or bush. The baby is 6 days old.
Using limited Spanish from my dear translator, Kim, we sit and visit. I cannot help but mull over the contrasts. Our lives are so different. I am so blessed. I have a home in the states with much more than I need. A home here in Belize with much less, but still more than enough. I also have a relationship with my Saviour.
My heart went out to this tired mother. Even if I would share out of my abundance. If I would find a better dwelling place for her family. If I would pay to send her children to school. If I would buy her groceries every month. She still would be missing a huge blessing. The blessing of not needing things for happiness. Of God being everything to us. How he gives us strength to lean on Him when we cannot provide for all our needs. How to say with confidence, "in whatsoever state I'm in therewith to be content".
I have been taught much this thanksgiving season. God is so good to me. How can I but serve Him wholeheartedly? Even when it is hard. Even when I do not own a big house or nice vehicle or can afford sour cream.
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