The more I experience life, the more I see the importance of learning to be content whatever your circumstances. A large part of my job involves recruiting people to work in schools in the Middle East. They are so keen on the idea of leaving our sunny shores for a Middle Eastern blend of extreme warmth and sandy deserts. The attraction is the fact that they will earn (a lot) more money. They will be closer to Europe and Asia and there will be good opportunities to travel. It’s something to look forward to and it’s different.
It sounds great, but they still have to go and live there. I’ve heard the desert described as a ‘vast and dreadful wilderness’. The people are very different. The language is different. You will go as foreigners to a very foreign land. You sign a contract and in the end to get all material benefits, you will have to live with it. The wonderful advantages will be there, but you will have to put up with all the differences and look on the positive side of life.
To be happy in another country, flexibility is key. The people will be different, wherever you go. They won’t be your culture. I remember when I first heard Mike’s father speak. I was shocked. He was so Afrikaans! It really bought into clear perspective that if I married Mike, I would be marrying someone who was raised in a complete different culture. I would have to adapt. Going to the UK is the same. The people are different.
I remember leaving Zimbabwe 33 years ago and coming to this great city of Cape Town. I could not believe that God would bring me to the very best city in the world – a city steeped in history – a city blessed with a magnitude of beauty. It’s a city with majestic mountains, fynbos covered hills, pristine beaches and rolling seas. 33 years and I still feel I have come to the land of milk and honey!
I speak to people on a daily basis who are keen to get out – leave THIS place and try and find somewhere better, where the currency is stronger and where there is no fear.
It is not possible.
While we live on this planet, while we are under the sun, there will never be a perfect place to call home. We are just passing through. Truth be told, the entire earth really is ‘vast and dreadful.’ There is crime everywhere. There will be different faces but many of the same problems. Happiness has to come from within. We have to learn to be content.
The phrase ‘vast and dreadful’ comes from the Bible.
Deuteronomy 8:15
“He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. “
God led the Israelites through the vast and dreadful wilderness.
He will lead me too.
These are the days.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you!
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂