To me, the little things are what I miss the most while living in Moldova. However, they aren't things like food (though I do crave a good Chipotle steak burrito occasionally) or places (although TJMaxx does get an occasional "I wish I could be at TJMaxx right now!").
To me, the little things are experiences. They are those moments that don't happen very often. They are the times to enjoy.
Living in Moldova, I miss out on a lot of normal teenager activity. I miss the wonderful experience of good English worship at youth group every Wednesday. I even miss ultimate frisbee at my small group, even though I stunk at it. Right now, what sounds really good to me, is going to Caribou with one or two of my good friends and just talking. I now wonder why didn't I go to a single high-school football game at all last year, but now I wish I had, and I wish I could. I've come to realize those short and insignificant times are actually important.
This weekend, that little thing that was missed was North Central University days with my cousins, Brooke & Megan. I watched the pictures come up on Instagram and Facebook of the great time they were having, and I had a hard time accepting I wasn't there with them. Yeah, it wasn't that important, and I won't be going to college there anyway, but it still hurt. It was a once in a lifetime experience. I asked God to take that hurt away and help me deal with it. And He did and He continues to do so.
Most people take those small things for granted. Of course they'll be able to go to the football games in the fall, the Wednesday night youth group, the Sunday night small group, prom, university days, the coffee with their friends. It is all right there. I've had to accept that these aren't a part of my life right now. And when those little things do come about, I'm learning to grab on to them because they are important.
Of course, God blesses me with other things here, for which I'm grateful. But, I do wish sometimes, that I wasn't 6000 miles away and missing out on everything happening. It is hard, but I can get through it.
Elissa, I loved your last paragraph! I'm sure there are times when you hear about little moments that you are missing out on, but God is certainly blessing you with many little things that will give you amazing memories and life changing effects!
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed and you are a blessing!
Nancy Spadgenske
Elissa, You will find one day that the little moments you miss are the ones you are living out today! Make the most of today, for in today, you create tomorrows memories!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you Elissa. I can't imagine the pain this brings you! I love you so much, though, and know God will see you through this season!
ReplyDeleteElissa your blog is great! You are an inspiration for many to have such clarity and thoughtfulness about your life :) God is blessing you and I hope you will enjoy more little things in the future.
ReplyDelete- Caroline