Philippians 4:11, 12
“Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be [content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.
I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.”
One evening in in May 2003, in South Africa, the sun was setting, and we all were on our way back home headed for an almost two-hour trip and I captured this golden color in the sky. Although it may look as if there is a slight rainbow in the sky, the opposite is true. Some of this color was the fires in the air they would use to rid garbage that was days old in the shantytowns. In some neighborhoods, it was really hard to breathe, so we had to leave for fear of breathing in too much smoke and it got dangerous at dusk, at night, in neighborhoods without lights.
We were trying to get out of the neighborhoods before dusk disappeared, and there was no light. There were no garbage men to come and collect trash like we have the pleasures in America. What we have in our own neighborhoods is a luxury.
Above, are the pictures of the dilapidated “shanty homes” that were located in their small villages In the air were strong smells of smoke and garbage.
I watched the faces of the family I was riding with; and saw their noses turned up, sadness…. as if they were remembering something =unpleasant from the past. As if this area made them sadder they have ever been. And consider thoughts as if dread were the biggest memories. Yet the people they loved lived here, and they could not stay away. As we drew nearer to Diane’s home, their faces lit up brightly and they relished in seeing her. They greeted her with a smile and a kiss.
There were bright spots in the day; however. I was able to go by Diane’s house. ( I am so surprised I even recall her name, its been ten years now….) But I will never forget Diane. Diane lived in a room the size of of a large bathroom in a suburban home. I was embarrassed for her. She had the brightest smile. ( Diane is the one to the far right, above). She was happy to be alive and to have a job and a nice car. and that she did, but with her job as “a diamond polisher”, she really didn’t have much to show for it. She had sitting outside a nice maroon car, but barely enough room to move around in. she said she polished diamonds all day. And for her wages, she barely lived in a home the size of my den. It made me sad and I tried to hide my anger from Diane. But Diane appeared happy. To her delight, she was ecstatic to see us, and jumped in the car to go back with us to Johannesburg and sent the night, because she wanted to remain with us longer. I felt she deserved so much more. But her smile informed me she was not one who wanted much more. She was content. Even in this state.
Driving though a neighborhood like this in S. Africa, you learn to appreciate what you have. fresh air, a sun you can see, and smile on the faces of the people in the area, the flowers in full bloom. Other than people who I saw walking around in the area that day, I don’t recall seeing anything resembling having life other than people who lived there.
When I think about (today) what I have and I don’t have, I go back to the thought of Diane. And her home, and her smile. And I realize that I cannot complain. God is good and I need to accept that, and that alone. Selah.
I am learning to be content. every day of my life. Though my heart aches for the people in Kuma, S. Africa, living in dire conditions, I enjoy remembering their company – the warm smiles and hearts. and I am content, even in this state.
Selah.
