“Alright, so… You’ve been on the road for almost two months. You’ve slept in a sweaty smelly car, been hosted in a beach house mansion, and eaten like kings between the home-cooked meals and street vendors. But, when it comes down to it, what is it all for? What have you actually been learning?”
The four of us occasionally discuss the main lessons that we’re learning on an individual basis during our endless car rides through the Latin America countryside. Here’s one that I can’t stop thinking about: contentment. Contentment is a funny concept. Is it a measurement of your current state of Zen? Is it a decision to have a good attitude? Is it a warm fuzzy feeling of accomplishment? The past 57 days firehosed me with nearly equal doses of joy, stress, confusion, and peace. Daily, my mind wanders back to the paradox of “livin’ the dream” on the road and yet lacking contentment (whatever that truly means). My friends back home say they’re jealous of our journey, and all I can think is how I am jealous of them experiencing senior year together at Wheaton. I find myself wishing that I could be working on something tangible like starting my career. Ironically, I know that as soon as I am sitting in an office for a full day of work in January, I will desire to be back in these Colombian coffee shops overlooking the lush, fog-covered mountains. In no way have I fully figured out how to get past this issue in my heart and mind. This is not a story of trial and triumph. This is a lesson in my own humanity. I am a selfish, broken man who often sucks at being grateful for the gifts, opportunities, and people that God has placed in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I regret nothing about going on this expedition. I look forward to experiencing the next 2+ months of life in South America. I have simply been reminded of my need to focus daily on the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” That is where I believe true contentment lies. So, no matter where you are today; if your driver-side window stops working so you have to wake up the person in the backseat to pay your tolls, or if you are eating your fourth piece of fresh baked bread with Nutella from the French cafe down the street in Bogota, remember to be thankful for whatever you have and wherever the Lord has placed you. - Krum
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PGT ThoughtsStories of experiences we have along the way. Archives
November 2017
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