Living here in a different culture away from the things I used to love to do has forced me to find new outlets and embrace the beauty around me. I don't tend to run so much or go for bike rides on trails, or visit thrift stores, or sit at Panara and drink tea for hours with friends or with just myself, my Bible, journal and my sweet little girl in her carseat... life has changed and I have had to discover different parts of myself.
I believe that God has asked me to enjoy the process of discovering new loves here in this culture. As I have surrendered my discontentment of not having what I was used to, to him I feel like my eyes for art and beauty have been enhanced and opened to new colors, inspirations and possibilities. I have not necessarily surrounded myself with what some would say is beauty but I have found beauty in the ordinary and the everyday cultural differences all around me.
I find there is much richness in quietness, loneliness and hardship…true contentment in Christ is invaluable. Loneliness, hardship and isolation are not something to be pitied in a person but rather it would be better if it invoked some self-evaluation and a deep gratitude for what has been given. Out of hardship comes splendid growth, acceptance of oneself, sparkling perspective, depth of character, relentlessness trust in God and a faith and courage for great accomplishment! That is why my theme 'using what I have' is so dear to me. I found that what I had was rich with creativity just waiting to be explored. He is more than enough!
Turkey and Me:
Sewing
Fabric love
Gardening in pots
Turkish black tea
Greater and richer moments of reflection
Discovering Ebru (Turkish Marbling)
Color all around me
In my little west corner ~ full of reflective thoughts,
Becky
5 comments:
Great post! I needed to hear this. God is so good. I need to be patient and enjoy the ride with him. Jesus is awesome and I am grateful to have them in my life. BTW have you ever made Turkish delights? I am curious to exactly what they are :)
I think I can totally relate to this post. I've discovered new JOYS through a my own hardships and challenges in MY corner of Western Turkey! ;-) In his presence, there can be fullness of joy, wherever we are.
I've always believed that the bumps make us who we are. I found you through the blog hop. I'm following bloglovin' and gfc. Stop by www.thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com and join in on the bloglovin blog hop I'm cohosting tomorrow.
Woohoo! I'm so glad you stopped over and linked up! Have fun.
Love this and I can relate...but I am still adjusting to the "new life" God has for me here in Namibia. Thanks for the encouragement.
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