Life Lessons from the Middle East

Life Lesson #1: By small and simple things, God brings about great things.

The other night during our weekend trip to Petra, a few students and I explored the town right outside of the main excavations. As we were walking past a strip of shops, we came across an empty “field” full of sand, scattered trash, and four boys playing soccer with a partially inflated soccer ball. Although we were out on a quest for water and snacks to take on our next day’s hiking extravaganza, we decided, after a few minutes of debate, to ask if we could play.

They let us play.

It started out as a small pick-up game of soccer—four small Arab boys and one BYU student vs. the other five BYU students, two girls and three boys. I was hardly dressed for a soccer match with a cheetah print scarf, chambray shirt, kakis, and sparkly gold flats. Nevertheless, I threw caution to the wind. I had to play.

As the game progressed more and more people joined, both from our group and the neighborhood. After the third goal had forced us to take break to retrieve the almost-flat soccer ball from the other side of some rocks, I looked around to see how everyone was doing. Several boys and near-by shop owners  had joined our fan-base on the sidelines, and when I heard voices above me I looked up to discover three to four Arab families- grandmas, mothers, fathers, children, cousins- watching the game from their porches. Our little pick-up game had turned into that night's entertainment for Petra's residents.

Life Lesson #2: Live in the moment. Be present. It's God's gift to you every second of the day. Honor then let go of anything that no longer serves you. Every second is a chance to improve.

For the first time in a long time, I realized that I was living completely in the moment. I was very present when a billion pounds of Danny Pew stepped on my foot, when I accidentally body checked the smallest child on the opposing team TWICE, when I got a "yellow card", and when I would assist my team in scoring a goal.

Everything else- the Provo drama, disintegrating relationships on the other side of the ocean, and personal trials- quickly fell away.

Life Lesson #3: Struggle makes it all worth it in the end, but don't forget to find joy in the journey. We didn't come here for the sole purpose of suffering, but we will have to face our trials if we want to face happiness as well.

Similarly this entire past weekend has been filled with important life lessons for which I have been silently begging.

The next day at Petra as some friends and I searched for the perfect outlook over Petra's famous treasury. Although I had been there two years ago, faulty directions and rock slides made it extremely hard to find. We ran into several dead ends- some of which included 100-feet drop offs- we debated turning back to the hotel multiple times, and we had to talk a few rest stops. Nevertheless, we kept pushing forward

After much effort, back sweat, persistence, and hope, we found the overlook for which we had been searching.

Life Lesson #4: Life is too short to surround yourself with anything, anyone, and/or any situation that does not better you.

Two days later I found myself snorkeling on the shores of Aqaba. I couldn't believe it. I'm not sure what I ever did to deserve such a life. Not only was the situation beautiful, but I also found myself surrounded by truly wonderful people who care a lot about me and have done so much for me since I've met them.

I was also blown away by the splendor of what we saw while in the ocean. This earth is gorgeous, and where much is given, much is required, so it was also a good reminder of how much I owe God and the world around me.

Life Lesson #5: Trust God and yourself. Everything else will then fall into place. With trusting God, you will never fear any height or depth. Trusting yourself allows you to feel and follow God's promptings as to when to jump or dive deep. He is constantly, carefully, and presently there- even, especially, when we feel we walk alone.

After snorkeling, a couple of us sat on the top deck as the rest of our group made their way to the boat. Jumping off of the tall deck into the ocean became increasingly tempting. Although it wasn't extremely tall, heights are generally something that scare me. This past summer I tried bridge jumping with some friends, and even though I did it, I hated it. The whole experience stressed me out and I didn't enjoy one second of it, except for the satisfaction that I had gotten myself to do something that truly terrified me. 

However, this time was different. I felt eager to jump. The blue water called me, and the gently encouragement from my friends let me know that I was safe. I genuinely wanted to jump in the water from the top of the boat. So I did.

I jumped with no inhibitions. No one had to talk me into it. We all counted to three in unison and jumped.

My life situation is much different now than it was this past summer, and I have found myself trusting God and myself more as of late. It feels so good.