Things I have learned.

The world is not a happy place. It’s just not. There are good things in the world, but live in it for a little while and you will get hurt. But it’s not my job to make the world better. It’s not my job to make the world understand. My job is to love God, and love those around me.

I am not in control of how other people will respond to me or any message I might give, and I don’t have to worry about how they will respond.

I am not guaranteed to be liked. I am given no guarantee that people will love me, or love me in return for the ways I love them. I am called to love God, and love people. That’s it. And those people won’t love me back perfectly. They might not love me back at all. It doesn’t matter. I am supposed to go to God for my love, not people. (I’m bad at it, too.)

“He said "Love...as I have loved you." We cannot love too much.” Amy Carmichael


”Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.” –Luke 6:30

“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”– Matthew 5:38-48, The Message

People are people.

Cultural differences are pretty small, when you get down to the roots of why people do what they do.

Cigarette smoke smells the same in winter no matter where you are.

An offer of tea is always welcome.

Hospitality is the most beautiful gift.

In December of 2010, my family visited Syria and our plane out of Aleppo when it was time to go to Istanbul was cancelled. While my sister and mom went to talk to the airline agents, my dad and I stayed with our large pile of luggage. A family approached us while we waited, and using hand only signals and charades, invited us to their home to sleep for the night, as we all were supposed to wait until the next day for another flight. We did not end up waiting until the next day, but their offer of hospitality was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

I’ve experienced such beautiful hospitality during all of my travels, and even many times in this country.

I am young. But I’m not stupid. I know almost nothing about the world. I know a lot about people. I know almost nothing about people. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen almost nothing.

And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. -1 Timothy 4:12, The Message

Facebook is not for myself; it is a tool with which to love people. (This is a recent discovery, have some grace with me as I figure out how to change my behavior.)

When people don’t show others mercy, it makes me angry. (Which is good to realize, because though mercy is a gift God has given me, He hasn’t necessarily given it to everyone and they have other good gifts. I don’t need to begrudge them for having strong feelings in other directions from me.)

If it is offered, you can take it.

In some cultures it’s considered an honor to be able to share with others.

In mine, I’m not sure that’s always the case, but if they offer it, I am allowed to take them up on it. A meal, a ride, help, time…

…some things I have learned.