Philippians 4:11-13 – ‘…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength…’

Earlier this year, I took my family on a trip to the Philippines and Cambodia. The purpose of the trip was to expose my family to the realities of life within the developing world. We visited two different orphanages, as well as several schools that were located within the slum districts of Phnom Penh. This coincided with my eldest daughters teaching practicum that she was undertaking as part of her Bachelor of Education course requirements. What a humbling and eye-opening experience this was; the experience was incredibly inspirational.

How much of our lives do we spend complaining about things which really aren’t issues at all? In more ways than we realise, each of us are guilty of complaining, but it is all about perspective. Spending time in developing countries certainly teaches you perspective pretty quickly. Many of the children in the schools we visited, learn in sub-standard conditions with minimal resources, while those children in the orphanages have to grow up without the loving care of their biological parents. However, you never hear any of these children complain; in fact, quite the contrary. Everyone smiles and share genuine care, concern and love for each other.

However, in communities like ours where most families do not share like struggles, ironically, people often complain the most. In the absence of real problems, people tend to focus on the very small things which may be irritations rather than real issues. We can have a tendency to make a mountain out of a mole hill.

Volunteering some of our time with people less fortunate than ourselves, definitely gives you a greater perspective. Choosing to holiday to developing countries, making arranging to visit schools and slum communities, is one way of helping shape our perspective for the better. The students embarking on the expedition to Nepal on 27 December will have such an opportunity, which will undoubtedly help shape a different perspective for those on the tour. The truth is, the choice to journey to these kind of communities as our chosen family holiday, instead of cities that are much like our own, can effectively help shape our perspective.

We can also do our part in our own country and local community.  A few hours preparing and serving food for the homeless, in conjunction with The Exodus Foundation’s ‘Loaves and Fishes’, or spending time with children in schools and centres that help nurture those with disabilities, definitely teaches you not to complain about the very small things in life, such as being stuck in traffic or not being able to find a park. It teaches you that there are people in life (just across the street) who struggle with really serious issues every day, and that we really have nothing to complain about.

Having a healthy perspective not only changes our lives, it also provides empathy, tolerance and genuine care toward people who are crying out for it. Consider the benefits of fostering a healthy perspective within your family and in the process, share the smiles with those whom we thought would have little to smile about. 

Reverend Geordie Barham
College Chaplain