One of our hopes when we left 2 years ago for Costa Rica was to figure out how to “simplify” our lives. What exactly does that mean? What does that look like in our culture? We learned quite a bit about what it looks like in another culture. The average person in Costa Rica lives very simply. The focus culturally is on relationship. Just because the house isn’t perfect or you do not have much, doesn’t mean you can’t have guests. But, it may mean you may need to ask them to bring their own chairs or dishes. Everyone we met was very hospitable and daily had guests in their home to share what little food they had.
Simplicity as defined by Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline “sets possessions in proper perspective. Asceticism, on the contrary, finds no place for a ‘land flowing with milk and honey’ Asceticism finds contentment only when it is abased. Simplicity knows contentment in both abasement and abounding (Phil 4:12)” One of Foster’s suggestions is “to learn to enjoy things without owning them.” If someone owns something and is willing to let you use it, then be thankful for the opportunity, without having to have one for myself.
Although, we have much to learn on the subject, this became real for me this summer concerning the swimming pool. I very proudly call myself a “pool rat”! The kids and I have spent almost everyday for 10 summers at the swimming pool at the local country club. When we returned from Costa, Rica we decided not to renew our membership. I have always said I would love to have a pool of my own, but it is not the season for that either. I wondered if we would have a local pool to enjoy this summer. Well, the blessing has come from dear friends. Laura Robertson’s parents Gary and Janet Rix gave us a “standing offer” once a week at their beautiful pool. So, rather than just doing our own thing at a public pool, we have had the chance to build relationships with friends while they practice hospitality. They always made us feel welcome and assured us that they loved hearing all of the noise coming from the back yard! We hope that in turn, we have been a blessing to them as they have been to our family! Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Rix for your hospitality and generosity. It has brought much joy and been greatly appreciated by this family! May you continue to be blessed!
