Anna's Adventures Abroad: Little victories
A delayed flight or a blessing in disguise? As a sit in the airport waiting for my next weekend adventure, to London this time, I can’t help but be thankful for a few moments to relax. The past month has been incredible. I’ve seen more places and gained more experiences than I ever have in my lifetime. Words can’t describe how fulfilling and thrilling this experience has been.
However, I am quickly realizing the importance of rest; the importance of reflection; even if it means taking just a few short moments to soak it all in and appreciate all the little victories life brings.
Two nights ago, as I watched the Valencia fútbol team beat Real Madrid two to one at Mestalla Stadium in my new “hometown”, I witnessed a huge victory. The screaming fans; the shaking bleachers; the players celebrating and running off the field; they epitomized Spain in one epic moment. In that moment I thought about my friends and family back at home who play soccer and have been following these teams and players for their whole lives. I thought about the kids standing around me watching their idols achieve their goals, while planting dreams and goals in their hearts all the while. I thought about how special and surreal this moment was and how much it meant to so many people, and I thanked God that he let me experience it.
As the game ended the crowd quickly dwindled and it seemed as if nothing had happened. The celebration was short lived and life carried on as normal. My friend and I were two of the last people left in the stadium just because we didn't want to quit celebrating. As I walked home that night, I realized how special that victory was. But I also realized that while big victories are something to be celebrated and remembered, sometimes the little victories are the things we should celebrate most.
A delayed flight; a little victory. What could have been a huge inconvenience ended up being a blessing. With no connecting flight and no pre arranged plans, a three hour delay in the airport this morning was just what I needed. I had a chance to rest, read, plan and catch up.
Learning a new word; a little victory. Learning another culture is difficult and frustrating most of the time. Even some as simple as learning a few slang words or understanding a conversation between two kids on the bus make the hard moments worth it.
Making a new friend; a little victory. Recently I’ve found myself in situations where “talking to a stranger” is the best way to get the help I need. From the old Moroccan man at the jewelry store who gave me a friendship bracelet to remember my travels, to the old businessman at the bus stop who ended up giving me a tour of the town hall, I have been pushed and led to step out of my comfort zone and find companionship in most unlikely circumstances.
Finding the last bike at the bike rack; a little victory. I change my mind…. this is a big victory.
Making a spontaneous decision; a little victory. After class this past week I had a little free time and decided I wanted to get my ear pierced. If you know me, you that I am a planner. I think long and hard on most decisions and plan everything down to the last detail. I could have gone home and looked up all the best places to go, or pushed to off for another day after thinking it through a little harder, but I am so glad that I didn’t. Sometimes the most rewarding decisions are the ones you don't plan on making.
These little victories are nothing short of miracles. They are God’s way of letting me know that he is with me; He is always looking out for me; He is always in control. These miracles remind me to thank God in each moment and take nothing for granted. I know His Presence is guiding me, and thanks to all the big and little victories I’ve experience this past month, I feel It more than ever.
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
― Albert Einstein
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
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