Baobab

“We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.”
                                                                            1 Corinthians 8: 1-2

Today is a new day. Some of the feelings from yesterday still linger in my chest, but I am determined to make it a new day. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. I have but one chance in Africa. I have spent nearly half a year preparing for this trip. I have raised funds to be here. Now it is time for me to take advantage of the opportunity before me.

I have enjoyed this trip thus far, but for all the conventional reasons. I took delight in the food and the accommodations. I was excited for Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. I met the local villagers and was eager to learn from their way of life. These are all the typical reasons I enjoy travel. But this is not a typical journey and it is time to get energized for different reasons.

In Africa the Baobab tree has a story. It once stood tall and beautiful. The tree was so beautiful, it puffed up with pride. God decided to teach the Baobab tree a lesson and uprooted the tree, turned it on its head and plopped it back into the ground. The tall and beautiful top of the tree was now buried far underground, exposing its roots for all to see. Now the large Baobab tree is a simple tree trunk with short limbs and few leaves. It’s beauty was buried.

The lesson of the Baobab teaches us about our own pride. At home, what do I take pride in? My home, my fitness, my work, my clothes, my hair? In Africa, do any of these things matter? My home is thousands of miles away on the other side of the world, and no one here is asking about my new patio chairs or curtains. My fitness is certainly of great benefit in Africa, but is anyone concerned that I can run 6 miles? While my work at home is rewarding, it doesn’t translate well in Africa.

So what am I left with? Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Love is the same in any language. Just as a hug or a smile is the same in any language. God has picked me up, turned me over and plopped me back down on my head. Burying what I have always known, and exposing a new reality. Today I invite you to try walking on your hands and see how your view of the world changes. That is what I intend to do.