Trying to learn

On my flight from Tanzania, I had been running over and over in my head the conversation I had the night before with Samuel.

"Fire makes a very good servant, but not a good master."

What did Samuel say that to me?  Maybe he was just making conversation to break the silence.  Regardless, I felt like  maybe there was truth in this saying that I needed to consider.

Then, I felt like it just hit me while I was on the plane.  Perhaps it seems obvious, but in this context, after my talk with Samuel, it just seemed more powerful.

I had been so overcome with emotion for so long, I was started to get stuck.  It all was just seeming like to much.  Too much poverty, too much need, to much sadness, in the midst of too much graciousness of these children, but still too much to ever overcome. 

But, if that which has been stirred up in my soul only stirs me up inside, and stays there, then really, the emotion is for nothing.  It is no longer a servant used for the right purpose, but a master that has no focus, and does nothing, and may even do harm.

But, if know I act, or help others act, as a result of these strong emotions, then there are used well. 

The emotion must have a purpose, too effect change for these children, and other nameless children like them around Africa and the world.  Otherwise, the emotion is serving only a selfish, egocentric need.

"Happy are those who seek justice and do what is right."

Now I am ready.  I can leave Tanzania with some closure, and now head to South Africa, and see the Nodar's and experience what is ahead for me there. 

Comments

[Bert]

It is nice that we here in the States have been able to follow along with you on this great and challenging journey.