A Postcard From Mexico

I recently returned from a short term mission trip in Tijuana, Mexico where we built a house for a family in need. Anytime I have a chance to get out of my environment and routine, my senses are heightened and I try to absorb as much as I can. There is one particular image from the trip that has remained in my mind and on my heart.

One day on the work site, a man from the community made a kind offer to show us around the neighborhood. He gave us a brief history of the area, showed us his home, animals, and answered our questions. Right outside the area in which we were building the house, was an enormous, gated house, with handcrafted stone exterior and gorgeous landscaping. It had 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, and 2 swimming pools! We, of course, were curious about this out of place mansion. The gentleman explained that the previous owners were drug lords who were now in jail, and the house was empty. It was eerie to see this beautifully designed structure just standing there devoid of life.

Upon our return to to our building site, I saw a father holding his son, both brightly smiling. My eyes moved to his wife busily fixing the midday meal and interacting sweetly with her child. Then I saw American and Mexican youth playing soccer together, people pounding nails into a roof, laughter and conversations taking place amidst simple, plywood homes that many people wouldn't consider livable. The people were happy and full of life. This contrast of the “perfect” house with nothing going on inside and broken down homes full of life struck me. How futile it is to care more about the house than what is going on inside. How easy it is to live on the surface and not look honestly at the heart.

I find the tension of wanting both the world and God too familiar. Being a Christ follower is a constant movement of giving up my way for the sake of the best way—intimacy and freedom in Christ. Am I willing to have a broken down house? Will I trade the superficiality of the mansion, for the abundant life Jesus has promised (John 10:10)? Do I care more about reputation or holiness? Do I live within my gated definitions which try to control God or am I desiring to see God bigger and move out of my comfort zones? Do I use God to make myself look good or do I throw myself at His feet so I can experience true life and satisfaction in glorifying Him? Do I consider a nice house, an appropriate life, and a good resume the goal or am I ready to be different, to have my life look differently, in order to do it God's way?

I want this image of the empty mansion and the broken down house with the family inside to stay with me. I want a constant reminder of true life. I want Jesus' life more than what is or isn't going on outwardly.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show

that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.” -II Cor. 4:7

—Karen Hunter