Reflections from a traveler

This picture was taken two days before I left SE Europe in the breath-taking mountains above camp! It reminds me of things I left behind and future possibilities. If I could title this picture it could be titled, "Perspectives." I will explain more in this post. . .
Today I flipped on the radio and it happened to be on the NPR station. An interview as taking place with a music artist and the radio host. It was intriguing to hear his perspective on life and why he wrote his songs. One thing struck me. He said he had experienced a lot of different things in life, including: living in a nice home, living in a trailer park, having good family experiences, and also experiencing tough things in his neighborhood. He said these experiences enabled him to pretty much "fit in anywhere." This is a great way to view a conglomeration of mixed life experiences. Instead of saying, "I do not fit anywhere because I have experienced so many varied experiences," we can be thankful for those experiences. We can allow them to help us understand people from many walks of life.
In my twenty-six years of life, I have lived in seven states and spent at least one night in thirteen countries. I experienced life in a big family, home-schooling, four years of college, fifteen weeks in French language school, a whole spectrum of fellowships, working at a variety of camps, living in close quarters with campers from every type of background, and working alongside many different types of people. God has given me a broad range of experiences from house-building to playing classical music on the violin. I am comfortable on a mountainside, sleeping under the stars, and I enjoy the comforts of a warm house. I have been so surrounded by people that I have felt the need to "retreat" and "recharge." And I have known many a lonely night, hoping for a chance to get together with a friend. I have worked in a factory and have been director of a camp program. Am I trying to brag about my experiences? No, just the opposite. I reflect on these things to hopefully gain a better perspective. I realized today that my attitude needs an adjustment. I used to think of myself as not being able to really "fit" anywhere. My life was too different from most people's experience. Who would ever really try to relate to me? I cannot control a lot of things. . .but I do have a choice about my attitude. I can either decide that I probably will not "fit in" anywhere and stick to myself. Or, I can decide, like that young artist on the radio, to allow these experiences to help me better understand people. A plethora of experiences have shaped me. When I relate to people, this is not a disadvantage like I used to think. It can be used for good. These experiences can help me understand people. People come from many circumstances and backgrounds. Each person's story is unique. I love to hear people's stories. People may think their story is boring or not worth telling. No matter where you come from or what you have or have not experienced. . .I find it intriguing.
People can learn much wisdom from your attitude towards life and the perspectives you take on things. If you have a unique perspective or opinion about something, people may learn something new. If you have a negative attitude about everything, people may learn what not to emulate :o) If you have learned to persevere through hardships people might be encouraged. As I end this post, I would encourage you to not be ashamed of your background or experiences. Instead, find appropriate times to share and use them to benefit people who cross your path. . .in the journey of daily life.