Home Blessed Home

Woman from barrio "Concepcion" collecting fresh water to haul back to her home.

After two amazing weeks in Thailand and The Philippines we are back home in Montana. We all know in our heads how lucky we are to live here in the U.S. We have a standard of living that is unmatched, limitless opportunities and freedoms that just don’t exist in many other countries around the world, blah, blah, blah, right? But do we really hold this knowledge in our hearts? I know I will hold these truths closer now that I have not only seen but really gotten to know people who are not so lucky. Today I am so appreciative of hot showers, clean water, electricity, my bed, nutritious food choices, my car, a great school for my children, my church, premium health care… the list goes on and on. I know it will be easy to slip back into taking these things for granted so I pledge to look over the stories and photographs in my journal each time I need a reminder of how I have been blessed.

I have also come to the realization that these blessings weren’t given to me merely for my enjoyment and comfort but as a gift for me to use to bring blessings and the knowledge of God’s love to others. I challenge you to think about how you can use your gifts to benefit others. Don’t be overwhelmed, small changes can make a huge difference. Just come up with one thing you can start with today.