On occasion, I have experiences that snap life into perspective, often in ways I do not expect. I’ve been thinking about our recent trip to Honduras, and there are so many incredible, memorable moments, but if I had to pinpoint one that had the greatest impact, one that is most deeply imprinted in my mind, it’s a private, vulnerable moment with Keith.
I experienced the trip primarily in “Mommy mode,” concerned for the kids and desiring to make this a memorable and meaningful trip for them. It was a wonderful thing to see them serving and engaged. I expected that these would be the most impactful moments for me because my mama heart was just overflowing at times.
But it was a moment with Keith, after we had been out visiting with some brave and beautiful people, that I keep coming back to. It was a moment that could have easily never happened. We had free time and could have chosen to spend it any number of ways. But the group agreed that we wanted to maximize our time there, so we decided to go with Ronny to visit a special friend and then go into an especially impoverished area to pass out bags of food.
When we returned to the hotel, I took the kids to Mom and Dad’s room and got a text from Keith that said, “I’m up here bawling. My God.” I went back upstairs and Keith was just wrecked. He really couldn’t articulate anything at that moment, so we just hugged and cried for a little while. Initially, I thought that he was sad because of the poverty we had witnessed. But later, I asked him if that was the tipping point, and he said that everything we experienced profoundly affected him, “But Lucy was the tipping point.”
I discovered that it was GRATITUDE that broke him open. Especially, this gratitude that came from faith, even in incredibly negative circumstances. Lucy is a wonderful lady that Ronny Russell (founder of Live Again Ministries) has been friends with for many years. She was suffering from vertigo, when we visited her, and she could not get to the mainland for treatment because of the political unrest and also financial obstacles. But she was full of joy and optimism, and she praised God and reminded all of us that we are never alone because God is always with us. We went there to encourage her and she ended up being an encouragement to all of us. My parents sang “Never Alone” and Ronny prayed with her and we were all moved to tears during that visit. But it was not until later that day that I realized the impact that Lucy had on Keith.
Meeting Lucy
Keith was finally able to express that her gratitude in the midst of difficult circumstances made him realize how trivial his concerns are.
Her rich gratitude somehow highlighted our poverty of spirit, but not in a negative way. She made us want to look beyond circumstances; she made us want to speak of God intimately. Lucy was the living example of verses like 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
Words alone are powerful, but the “word made flesh,” words embodied . . . this has power and holiness that cannot be expressed in words.
And the fact that MY most poignant experience came indirectly through the reaction of my husband also speaks of the power in sharing our experiences. Meeting Lucy was moving for me as well, but seeing the effect that her attitude had on Keith magnified everything for me.
It makes me wonder what the world might be like if there were more people like Lucy . . . people with the kind of faith that leads to buoyant gratitude and joy.
I’ve said for a long time that I believe gratitude is the gateway to joy, and I still believe that. But I’m learning that gratitude is also the gateway to transformation. I never equated gratitude with something that could break your heart, but it has that power . . . like a light that shines in the darkness and exposes things we might otherwise choose to ignore.
“I tell you this to break your heart,
by which I mean only
that it break open and never close again
to the rest of the world.”
(Mary Oliver, “Lead,” Devotions)
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I know Lucy’s pain and my heart breaks for her and at the same time I am envious. Vertigo is horrible, it has changed my life and I received quick, excellent medical care. As I lay on an emergency room stretcher the day it hit me all I could think of was people who were suffering that way and couldn’t afford medical care. Since I have recovered from the initial attack I am overcome with fear that it will come again,when I am alone with no one to help or no phone nearby to reach help. And you share this story of a woman who is living my worst fears with peace, hope and joy. Oh, how I long for her faith!!
Lucy is an amazing lady, but don’t get discouraged – you are amazing too! I was so proud of you, out driving at night and facing your fears, shortly after your experience. Plus, the fear of something happening while you are alone is understandable. Lucy lives in a close knit community (there were people in and out constantly, even while we were there) — here in America we often live away from family and have more isolated lives — it’s a much different environment. Hang in there – you might not always realize it, but you are an inspiration to many people. Love you!
Thank you for sharing this Tamson. And thanks to Keith for allowing you too.
Thanks Tamson, life would be more enriching if we all could experience gratitude in the way Keith did. Being grateful is fun and a blessing, but experiencing gratitude is life changing. I was far more grateful when I was poor than I am today because I had gratitude for the simple things that I now take for granted. Unless one goes through some hardships it is difficult to be grateful. I thank Keith for allowing himself and his family to be exposed to others that his own personal gratitude can be enhanced. I am so thrilled that the Honduras experience was a great experience for all the family.
What a blessing to be with part of my family as we went to serve and minister to others; but, as usually happens, I was the one who received the greatest blessing! We witnessed some pitiful situations but the people seemed happy and grateful for the least little thing. Lucy praised God in the worst circumstances and wanted us to know that God is with us no matter what happens. I was so glad that Keith and the children had that experience. We are so blessed in America and yet we take it so for granted. It would be great if everyone had to go to a third world country and see how others live. It would change everyone and certainly make us grateful!
Tamson,
What a wonderful reminder of our need to trust God more! Thanks for sharing this. Jesus, too, was moved to tears. Crying for others is a strength; being overwhelmed by God’s love is a blessing.