Am I Belittling God’s Gifts?

When Caleb and I first arrived in Nakhon Si Thammarat, everything seemed magical. Everything was beautiful and new. The warm sun shined brightly everyday and we soaked up every sight, sound, and smell- the good and the bad. Every experience was new and felt worth documenting. Now, after 4 months of living here, the once magical experiences have become routine- they are our normal. While I am still humbled that the Lord invited us on this adventure of His, I am no longer overwhelmed with the little beauties of each day. I no longer feel compelled to photograph and share little moments. I still cherish the conversations and talks about Jesus more than words can explain. But what about my surroundings?

And you know what? That is sad. Honestly? It kind of breaks my heart. I didn’t even realized this had happened until someone asked for updates on our lives in NST. How did I let the things that once filled my heart with such joy become so expected? In a way, I feel as though I am belittling God’s gifts by doing this. So I am going to begin being intentional about noticing and sharing these daily blessings again.  Because each moment spent with the local kiddos, with our Thai friends or acquaintances, and our students are magical little blessings.

It is time to be wowed by the rustic “charms” of our city again. We may lose electricity and water, but each day is filled with infinite little blessings- little treasures. I no longer want to just be wowed by the new sights, sounds, and places we experience on vacation. It is time to be wowed by our normal. Because in reality, each day is filled with magical moments. We just have to choose to recognize them.

While it is too rainy to bring my camera out in our city (rainy season is in its early stages. last nights thunder storm could have rivaled those in Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma), I can try to bring out our new GoPro (thanks mom & dad!! best anniversary gift EVER!!). I am thankful for the little reality check and reminder to see the beauty in our city. Right here, right now. Because there is always beauty around us. But it is our choice to recognize the beauty and blessings. Starting today, I am choosing not to belittle God’s gifts. I am choosing to recognize and cherish each little blessing- each piece of magic.