Frustrations of a Foreigner- The Bottom Line

Let me be frank- living in a different culture has built-in frustrations that must be overcome. I was prepared to write a ten-post series on all the different frustrations that I have faced since living in Cambodia. I was going to write about being run off the road by rich people while driving; being blatantly and repeatedly cut in line while at the grocery store or mini-mart; having my family shamelessly stared at and my kids pinched by strangers at most public venues; strangers asking me in front of my wife on several occasions, "Why did you marry such a dark-skinned lady? You should have married a girl with whiter skin"; repeatedly being asked by the barbers on the side of the road next to my house, "Where are you coming from? The prostitutes?" (followed by loud and obnoxious laughter); and the list could go on. Trust me, these things can get under a person's skin if....that person is not walking in the Spirit. And that's the bottom line. I must confess to you I have had more occasions than I would like to admit in which I reacted according to my flesh and then was filled with regret because I missed an opportunity to respond in the Spirit and be a light in this dark world. So, I am going to end this particular series on the blog by asking you to pray for me and for the other missionaries that you know and support. Pray that we will be constantly reminded about the importance of being sensitive to the moment by moment leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Oh, this isn't just for missionaries living in a different culture. It's for you, too.