My Resort

The first few weeks after breaking my ankle in Yap, I spent a lot of time in a small, net hammock on the porch in front of our apartment.  Since I was relatively new on crutches, it was still a challenge to navigate the stairs by myself (since we were on the second floor), so I ended up being "stuck" at my apartment sometimes.  I remember settling into the hammock, propping my casted foot up on the hammock line, and listening to my iPod--swinging back and forth.  From the angle I was sitting, my eyes only took in the billowing white clouds in front of a deep blue background, the tops of the palm trees swaying, and the glistening green hills in the distance.  With the breeze cooling me, blowing the mosquitoes away, and bringing the scent of plumeria...I could almost imagine I was at a rustic island resort somewhere.  That would always make me smile in irony, but it worked.  I could forget for awhile the negative side of breaking my ankle in a place that was super hot and constantly made my foot swell up in its cast.  I could forget difficulties of everyday life on crutches--from showering to walking across campus to work at the office.  I could forget all the things I was missing out on, and the questions about my future.  And for awhile, I could just enjoy God's presence in my little Pacific island resort, and thank Him for so many little things.  I could pretend I was on a spiritual retreat, and pray for everyone who came to mind--on and off the island.  And then I would close my eyes and take a nap.

I learned what it's like to be supernaturally content with the present; to find God where I least expected.  I kind of miss that resort.

The view from my resort (aka apartment deck).