Lessons of the Week

Do you ever feel like you have heard things before but this time you are hearing/seeing/learning it differently? Maybe you are seeing it differently because of experiences in your life or maybe your perspective is different? This past week was one of those weeks for me. I hope you don't mind me sharing:)

Compassion--this word received a whole new definition for me this week. I always thought about how God has compassion on us and how He loves us no matter what. Even when we disappoint Him by making the wrong decisions in life, irritate Him by committing the same sin for the 100th time, and sometimes even turn away from Him but He is still there. This week I was challenged in my Tuesday night Bible study when my teaching leader asked the question "God has compassion on us even when we disappoint and irritate Him-do you have compassion on other people when they disappoint or irritate you.?" That question hurt a little! I really had to think about it--do I have compassion on other people when they disappoint or irritate me?? I am really going to work hard to be more compassionate towards others. I am so thankful that God never gives up on me when I disappoint or irritate Him and I need to show the same compassion towards others! What a challenge!!

Perspective- this word has really been heavy on my heart since arriving in Thailand. You can see the things around you in so many different ways and either find the positive or the negative in them. This week I was challenged when I heard a story about a Marine General in World War II who was surrounded on all sides by the enemy and had just heard word that no help would be coming. What he told his men was this "All right-the enemy is on our left, on our right, in front of us, and behind us, and they can't get away this time!" We have the opportunity to shoot at them from every direction." Life is full of challenges/hardships (the enemy). How are you going to face them? Are you going to feel defeat and surrender or are you going to see things from a different perspective and fight with the right attitude?

Along with learning Thai culture and the difficult Thai language I am learning many other great life lessons!