Paul wrote the Galatians to gird up their faith and understanding of the truths previously presented to them. He wanted to be sure they were living in a manner that separated them from those living in the world. The following passage is preceeded by a description of what someone living in the world looks like. That is why it begins with the word, "but" because we, as believers are to be different.
Galatians 5:22,23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Living and working in another culture has certainly tested our "fruit" as we try to live day by day in a manner that sets us apart. Certainly, the people of Guatemala are easy to love. They are warm and generous and embrace you wholeheartedly. Patience, although, is a little harder to demonstrate on a consistent basis. Many things that happen here simply don't make sense to us and it tries our patience as we attempt to work through whatever comes our way.
For example, as I sit here and type, there are two men in our yard lining the top of our wall with razor wire. The fair is coming to town and they are set up right behind our house. The razor wire is to protect our home/property from those who will be participating in the fair. There will be many people from out of town here to party and cause trouble. This is the first year for the fair to be set up right here! Ususally it is in the central square, but this year, we are smack dab in the middle of it all. On one side of our home they are setting up a marimba band/dance hall! They will go almost 24 hours a day. Normally, I like the sound of marimbas - Guatemala's national instrument - but at 4am I think it will be a bit waring! On the other side of our home they are setting up food kiosks. Right behind us are vendors selling their wares. About 50 feet past that will be the rides - ferris wheel, etc - and other typical fair games.
The next week will be loud and also a little dangerous around our home. Guatemala doesn't have any noise bylaws or restrictions about what you can and cannot do...anything goes! As a result, we are relocating to a hotel out of town, along with the team we will be hosting. It will not be the same to be out of our home and our own space, but we are blessed to have an alternative!
Things don't always go as we plan and we have to be ready to make adjustments and then be thankful for whatever the Lord provides. Patience...also translated as long-suffering...is a fruit we demonstrate when we accept challenges and changes without losing our peace or our focus. When we keep our eyes on Him, everything else is simply secondary.
Blessings!
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