My husband recently pointed out to me that I have used this blog on more than more occasion to tell the word what I am missing while I am here in Mexico and suggest that packages be sent my way.  I would hate for you to ever start reading this blog and think “oh no Abby’s begging for stuff again” or “seriously, your world is incomplete without Wheat Thins?!”.  Honestly, my world here is abounding.  I am blessed to be among the small percentage of the world’s population that has so much.  Yes, I have my days where I miss things that I got used to having around back in the states, but I also have days where I revel in the abounding number of new things I have to experience here.  Life is good, just different.

Yesterday I read Paul’s words in Phillipains 4:11-13:

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things though him who strengthens me.”

That last verse was drilled into me into Sunday school classes throughout my childhood.  It is glued deep into the recesses of my brain, but it is the first two verses that make it powerful. Content in every situation?  Really?  I want that. 

I am not in low circumstances, hunger, or really any form of need right now.  In fact, in many ways I am facing abundance.  Isn’t it funny that sometimes we truly have to learn the secret of facing abundance?  Isn’t that what I wanted all along?  Except this abundance is different.

I’m learning the secret of facing different.  It’s beautiful and new and honestly we probably all need more of it in our lives.

Am I flexible enough?  I ask myself this question a lot.  I don’t mean flexible in the sense of being able to touch my toes (which is not one of my strengths by the way).  I mean flexible in the sense of being able to take whatever life throws at me with grace and courage.  Can I handle changes in my lifestyle or even changes in the day to day and still smile and count my blessings?

Mexico has required me to be flexible.  My whole world has changed and I would like to believe I’ve handled it pretty well so far, but I’ve definitely had my grumbly moments (ok and sometimes days).  I just want to make sure that overall I’m not just rolling with the punches, but actually being flexible, adapting to the new, and counting my blessings.

I am blessed to be able to stay home with an adorable, healthy, even-tempered, and joyful little boy (I should probably take some cues from him).

I am blessed to be married to a God-loving man who enjoys his work, supports his family, knows how to make me laugh, and gets home by 4:30 every day.

I am blessed to live near family who loves me, supports me, and has been overwhelmingly willing to help me as I adjust to a new culture.

I am blessed to have loving family hundreds of miles away who I can still talk to regularly over Skype and who prayerfully support me no matter where in the world I am.

I am blessed to live in a new culture – to have opportunities to explore and expand my horizons.

There are so many reasons I am blessed.

Proverbs 31:25-26 says “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.  She opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

I want to be that woman.  I want to always be ready to take on the days ahead with strength, dignity, wisdom, and kindness - no matter what they hold.