Actions Speak Louder Than Words?

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

Although ‘apples of gold’ is not an often spoken of subject in our everyday life, the right words at the right time is always a beautiful thing.  The phrase “actions speak louder than words” isn’t always the case.  Just like our actions, words can form out a variety of intentions and motivations, but what if we did and said things not to be “heard”, but to show, share, and live love?

Since my return from Uganda, I have been deliberately trying to figure out what makes people smile the most…we are guilty of not slowing down enough in life to enjoy the small things, so I wanted to figure out a few ways to make life more enjoyable-even in the chaos.

·      Smile first. 

·      Ask, “How are you?” and actually stop to hear the response.

·      Hold the door open for others-simple, I know

·      Send random cards/letters/packages-yes, students get really excited about random, unexpected mail.

·      Laugh even when the jokes aren’t funny.

·      Listen.  Be actively engaged in the conversations you have-show people the respect they deserve.

·      Go out of your way to acknowledge others-There is nothing worse than feeling invisible to the world.

·      Be present.  Wherever you are, be completely there. Soak up the here and now instead of dwelling on the future. 

I am all too often disappointed in humanity and the way we treat one another, and it’s past time for us to change that.  We are called to love one and all, and my challenge to you is to bring about that change.  Speak words of encouragement.  Be intentional.  Be gracious.  Be present.  

I Think I Caught Something in Africa

P.U.S.D. Post Uganda Sadness Disorder.  It may not be clinically proven, but it's real.  I didn't know what to expect when it came to my return to the States, but after being home for a few weeks I would definitely say it covers a wide range of emotions.  It's not that I don't want to be back at Williams or even back in the States-honestly, I have enjoyed seeing everyone and value the time I spend with others all the more after discovering so much about relationships in Uganda.....It's the small things that make me sad-Like the lack of warmth, the pace of life here, not seeing my precious little brothers every morning, and yes, I even miss the simple food and lack of options.  I guess rice and beans has become a newfound "comfort food" for me.  

The hardest part about being back is answering all the questions.  My personal two favorites are "How was Uganda?" and "What's next?".  I just don't know how to explain four outrageously incredible months of my life in one sitting.  Honestly, I feel like a lot of it hasn't even sunk in yet.  And then the question that every soon-to-be college grad dreads.....what does the future hold for me?  Where do I see myself in 5 years?  What's next?  

I have pretty much avoided giving a direct answer to that question and me not knowing is only the tip of that iceberg.  One thing Uganda taught me in both deciding to go there and staying there for a prolonged amount of time is that God is going to use you no matter what "path" you choose.  Being such a planner, this is quite the challenge for me, but I know whatever God has up his sleeve is better than what I could muster up on my own.  Instead of dwelling on the future, Uganda taught me to invest in the here and now.  

On the other hand, being back to the States has been quite the adventure.  Over the course of three weeks I have moved back into the dorms for my last semester of college, figured out a couple of next steps in life, and baked like there's no tomorrow! I think I missed stoves a little more than I realized.  It’s been great reliving the past five months as I tell stories about what I encountered and how much Uganda (and Africa as a whole) has stolen my heart.