Have you ever wondered what it is like not to worry about anything? Have you ever thought about what it would be like to not even think about next moment because you are so wrapped up with living in the moment? What would it look like to be away from all distractions that hinder our daily lives and really seek out the beauty of life?
I got the once in a lifetime chance to study abroad this semester in Greece for the month of January with my school. This couldn’t have been more of a divine part of my life, at least up to now. Greece has been quite the obsession in my life for a long while now. I am learning the language in school (which is beyond hard), I have a tattoo in Greek, and it has been my number one place to visit. I still cannot believe that I actually got to go. It is like a dream that didn’t really happen. Sounds cheesy, but it was that amazing for me.
I know that this will be one of the experiences of my life that will forever change me. If you think about it, there are few things that actually change us as a person: our actions, thoughts, motives, and relationships. People are ever changing, but there are few experiences that you go through in your life that will completely change you from the inside out. Greece was my milestone. I haven’t been the same since I have been back and I never want to be.
One of the best things about Greece was that time was slow. After the first week there our group felt like an eternity had already passed. We were so excited about the rest of our trip there because unlike most vacations or getaways this one felt like it was never going to end.
I had no cell phone. No t.v., and internet access, hmm, maybe thrice. I can honestly say technology is one of the biggest hindrances in our society. You wouldn’t understand it until you actually experience it. It takes away precious minutes and hours you do not even realize. I loved that I got to the point of forgetting my phone every time I walked out of a room or to go out somewhere.
On the plane ride back I had some AWEsome time of reflection and conversation about the Greece experience. Not one time did I EVER worry about ANYTHING for an entire month. No need, no want, or what I am supposed to be doing even the next hour. I just lived. I was just so excited to be away from everything I knew and just completely soak up this creation that was before me that I had never seen before. I lost track of how long we had been there and when we would be going home at one point. For the first time in my life I could just BE and nowhere else. Not my mind, body, or intentions. Wholly present and alive. I literally saw God in everything and everywhere I went. I had nothing to distract me from time with Him. I have never had that before. I felt His kingdom here on earth. I came to understand how we are to see Christ in everything and how God intended for us to live.
The minute the plane landed in Atlanta my phone went off like crazy with text messages and voicemails. I wanted to cry. Actually I did. When I got home I just let loose. Coming back to America had already jailed up my heart and I felt trapped. Not a good feeling when you finally get used to living in freedom. Anyways, for weeks after when I got home I hated life because I just wanted to be back in Greece. Not just because it is the most amazing place in the world (not that I have been anywhere else hardly), but because of how life was lived. All I could think about and talk about was Greece, Greece, Greece. Yeah, I became one of those people you got sick of talking to because all I could think or say was Greece. I couldn’t help it.
But then after finally realizing that I can’t go back, even in my mind, God really spoke to me about living the here and now in America. I kept wishing my life away wishing I was somewhere else and not here. But God has placed me here. He led me Greece to show me so many things and enjoy life for the first time. But he led me back to home as well. I caught myself thinking how terrible it was that God wants me to live for Him right now, not a month or two ago, but I wanted to live in the past. I had to change my heart real fast. Think about it. We always wish we were here and there, past or future, but how often can we just be excited about the moments of NOW God has given us? We wish our lives away and never enjoy it. We live out the times we want and long for, but we don’t even realize it.
So I came back to school and everyday tried to learn how to live out my Greece in America. I would limit my time on the computer. I don’t worry about having my phone around me so much. Ill call you back later. I make sure I stop and rest every single day. Journal, pray, think, listen to worship music. Whatever. Now I don’t listen to music in my car. I have learned to love silence. I just am in silence. It allows me to see my day. My life has changed because of this. My mind is different. My intentions are different. My heart is at peace and calm even when I have 10 and 15 page papers due. I can still be at rest no matter what is spiritually or emotionally or physically happening. My Savior consumes me. Yeah there are still a million things to distract me throughout my day, but I learn how to handle it. I have finally seen how God intends for you and me to live a life of rest amongst a chaotic world. I can live out my Greece in America.
My prayer for you is that you can experience this once in your life. Learn how to live in rest. You can live out your Greece everyday.
May you find God in everything you do. May his glory abound in your heart. May you be divinely romanced to rest in Him. May you come to so live in the here and now that America becomes your Greece.
