more fun for me to reiterate my insect/happiness equation. If you are wondering how this relates to some meaningful moment, please hold on for just a little longer.
The next morning was spent at Maasai Corner, a relatively new church in a fairly remote area. Church members and visitors from the area came together for a sports evangelism day. Chris took me to where the women were sitting outside a mud/thatch kitchen as they were cooking lunch over an open fire. The women were multi-tasking – cooking, cutting greens to be added to the lunch, washing dishes, talking, laughing, sharing life. We were sitting under the shade of huge mango trees with ocean breezes stirring the air. As I listened to them, I was enchanted by the absolute joy and contentment these women were experiencing. They spoke in Swahili but I could understand enjoying life in English. By American standards, these women had little to laugh about. They had no electricity, they had to tote water every day from a well, they wore old and torn clothes, they wore used shoes, and they ate what they grew in the garden or fruit that fell from the trees. Americans would say they were destitute but Americans would be wrong. While no one can argue the lack of modern conveniences, these women know more about enjoying every moment of their day than most Americans will ever know. They don’t waste time fretting over what might or might not happen but focus on living life to the fullest in the tiniest moments. As I listened and watched and tried to communicate, I sensed a relaxation and joy that I could only describe as being a “roach on a biscuit” – a total peace and pleasure in just living life and loving those around me. The contentment of the moment was exhilarating as I enjoyed God’s creation with people He loves. I pray that everyone gets to know the joy of being a roach on a biscuit at least once in your life. Life just doesn’t get better than that!!!
The next morning was spent at Maasai Corner, a relatively new church in a fairly remote area. Church members and visitors from the area came together for a sports evangelism day. Chris took me to where the women were sitting outside a mud/thatch kitchen as they were cooking lunch over an open fire. The women were multi-tasking – cooking, cutting greens to be added to the lunch, washing dishes, talking, laughing, sharing life. We were sitting under the shade of huge mango trees with ocean breezes stirring the air. As I listened to them, I was enchanted by the absolute joy and contentment these women were experiencing. They spoke in Swahili but I could understand enjoying life in English. By American standards, these women had little to laugh about. They had no electricity, they had to tote water every day from a well, they wore old and torn clothes, they wore used shoes, and they ate what they grew in the garden or fruit that fell from the trees. Americans would say they were destitute but Americans would be wrong. While no one can argue the lack of modern conveniences, these women know more about enjoying every moment of their day than most Americans will ever know. They don’t waste time fretting over what might or might not happen but focus on living life to the fullest in the tiniest moments. As I listened and watched and tried to communicate, I sensed a relaxation and joy that I could only describe as being a “roach on a biscuit” – a total peace and pleasure in just living life and loving those around me. The contentment of the moment was exhilarating as I enjoyed God’s creation with people He loves. I pray that everyone gets to know the joy of being a roach on a biscuit at least once in your life. Life just doesn’t get better than that!!!
Jamye Richmond
