It happened again, that radical sense of gratefulness that floods my soul. It seems to come upon me every time I return from a trip overseas and typically lasts for a couple of weeks. You see, I just returned from the South Pacific working with one of our missionaries and with the indigenous, precious people of Fiji. I know, you're thinking of Fiji as being romantic, beautiful, and epic - and well, it is. In fact, it boasts as one of the most beautiful places in the world; from pristine beaches to breathtaking volcanos, from gorgeous sunsets to unbelievable resorts - yes, that's Fiji. However and yes however, when you step into the culture, you'll soon discover that Fiji is a developing nation that has great needs.
This was my fifth mission related trip to Fiji and every time, without question, I have a take away that changes my life. Let me introduce you to my new friend, her name is Raivoka. Her picture is below with her husband Nete and I (sorry the picture is soooo blurry - their little hut had poor lighting).
A year ago, Raivoka had a life changing event: a stroke. This debilitated my new friend, so much that she can't talk, can barely walk or even take care of herself. It was our last day in the village of Vunuvutu and our missionary Kris asked me to take our team over to Raivoka's house and pray with her. We grabbed our Bibles and walked into their home. As we took off our sandals and asked for permission to enter, I was quickly moved with emotion. Tears began to well up in my eyes as I saw this dear woman sitting in her chair, with her Bible in hand, reading and contemplating the truths of Scripture. I knelt beside her, told her who we were, where we were from and asked if I could pray over her. She nodded with that 'yes, I would appreciate that' kind of nod. My team came around her, and we prayed for God's blessing, God's favor and God's love to overflow in this lady's life. We all cried, we all hugged and said our goodbyes.
Its been over a week since I had the absolute privilege of meeting Raivoka and to be honest, I miss her. I miss her simple love of life, her tender and sweet way about her, & her acceptance of what many, including me, would consider a terrible existence. I miss her thankfulness; I miss her gratitude and I miss her zeal to make the best of her life, regardless of her circumstance.
As I sit on my leather couch, in my plush living room in here in Morro Bay, with a view of the water and the famous Morro Bay rock from our bedroom, I'm convicted that I need to be a more grateful, thankful person. I live in one of the greatest places on the planet and you know, I should thank the Father above daily. I am in great health, have a beautiful wife, amazing children, two crazy cats... yes, so much to be thankful for. And when I reflect of Raivoka, all she had was her Bible, all else was taken from her. And yet, though my Western Worldview is oh so limited, I know this: she really has everything because she has the One above speaking to her through His written word.
As I close this thought, I'm reminded of what a former religious leader turned follower of the Way once wrote, "Be thankful in all things, for this is God's will for you..." As I meditate on this foundational life truth, I'm motivated to stop right now and say thanks! Thanks for my life. Thanks for my friends. Thanks for my family. Thanks for my God. Thanks! And my hope, this emotion of gratitude doesn't end but thanks to Raivoka, it will take me to my last breath.
Bye the way, the Bible Raivoka had was worn, torn and tattered. I asked her if I could purchase her a study Bible, one that would help her understand some of the deeper truths of the Bible. She looked at me, and with a tear, she lifted her eyes brows as if to say, 'oh, thank you so much!' My team raised the money and tomorrow, her brand new study Bible will be on its way to Vunavuta, Fiji! I hope this brings her great joy.
