But Afghanistan…

My husband and I had a little getaway last week.  The hotel where we stayed is the same hotel we have used before.  It’s part of a major chain and one that we trust due to our past good experiences there. 

This stay, however, wasn’t so pleasant in a few ways – the main one being their new cleaning policy.  We were less than pleased for several reasons, even after filling out a form that we were never told about when checking in a few days earlier. 

I took a couple pictures before we checked out and fully intended to post an honest review on their web site, and maybe even share it on FB.  That’s how unhappy I was.

But Afghanistan…

I walked into our nearby grocery store today.  The aisles have been shuffled, yet again.  I felt irritated.  I almost complained to a fellow customer who was standing there at the end of an aisle looking as befuddled as I’m sure I did.

But Afghanistan…

My favorite low-carb ice cream bars are still not in stock, at any store, for some strange reason.  I’ve griped to my husband about it and felt that same grumbling desire hit me as I looked at the still empty freezer shelf today.

But Afghanistan…

My Sparkling Ice flavor of choice was gone today.

It’s so hot here.

And so dry.

So many reasons to be dissatisfied.

But Afghanistan…

I am a free woman.  I am safe.  My family is safe.

Going to church to worship Jesus is not a death sentence for me.

I don’t fear that dreaded knock on our door that might bring torture or death.

I could go on, but all of you know what I’m talking about.  You see the horrible images and hear the terrifying reports.

Oh God, may I not let petty and trivial issues spoil my joy.

And every time I am tempted to do just that, may I instead stop and pray for the people of Afghanistan, and the Americans left there, who are suffering more than I can even begin to fathom.

Fill me with thankfulness for every single good blessing that I have all around me.

Fill me with compassion for the Afghan people.

Fill me with the compulsion to pray for my fellow believers there.

It’s easy to say that I don’t want to think about all this sadness.  I want to be happy.

How shallow! 

The least I can do is to keep these suffering people in my mind and in my prayers…to be aware of and in sorrow for their tragic needs. 

But Afghanistan…God help them. 

Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

18 thoughts on “But Afghanistan…”

  2. Ouch, goodness that hits the emotions as I reflect on my own selfish tendencies—and then to consider that perspective, so sad.

    I’m often out of the loop without having Facebook or checking news and then feel foolish when I learn much later what’s going on, thank you for this reality check. 🙏❤️

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  5. Amen! We may have minor inconveniences, but we are blessed in so many ways. My heart goes out to the people left behind, people living in fear, and the Christians being persecuted. I am saying prayers for protection and safety for the Afgan people. 🙏

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