Sheltered is definitely a word I would use for the vast majority of my life. Sheltered in a good way. Throughout my adult life God has slowly opened doors to let me see how others live their life. It started when Kelly and I got married and I started living the military lifestyle. I remember one friend that was so outside of my “box” that I was uncomfortable around her in the beginning. She had tattoos and eventually became a dedicated church goer! Wait, those 2 didn’t go together…did they? She was my first look at how different life truly is outside of my little box.
I’m sitting here on my patio in Mexico overlooking a beautiful golf course and watching locals drive past on their golf carts. Many speak English, not well but enough to make me and my familia comfortable. I thought how nice it is that they would go that extra step of learning a language to make us comfortable on vacation. One gentleman made a comment that stuck with me on this trip. The locals like it when you try to speak their language. Wow, even now looking back on this comment it is such a loaded sentence. I thought when in Rome? So I’m brushing up on my Spanish and loving the smiles on their faces when I try and even more when I get it wrong and they kindly correct me.
Yesterday brought on a whole new set of feelings for our Mexican neighbors. I’m not really IN MÉXICO. We are visiting the tourists part of Mexico. It’s like putting on your best clothes and using your best china when entertaining what you might consider a VIP. This is their best side, what they show the tourists. Yesterday we drove, took a shuttle bus, outside of the resort area. I’m sure I didn’t even see a fraction of how bad it can get here in Mexico but what I did see was so poverty driven it broke my heart. But as I sit here I wonder if it is not a lifestyle some prefer. I started writing this in the morning but this afternoon as I reflect on the past few days I can see how the simplicity of their life might be appealing. Although, a front door should be a necessity. Perhaps less is more. I was drawn to tears this morning when before my massage the señora seated me and stated she must wash my feet. I was humbled. I reflected to my knowledge of the Bible and Jesus washing his disciples feet. Truly humbled at such a gesture. Afterwards we had lunch at a little Italian restaurant where I commented to one señorita that I am loving their culture and trying to pickup more Spanish. She touched her heart and bowed her head as if grateful. Tonight I’m imaging That young lady going home and telling her familia about the American that is learning more about their culture. So many here have touched my heart and I can never fully explain. But, this has truly helped me find a better me.
Misty Better Everyday 