Colossians 1:16 – Because all things were created by him: both in the heavens and on the earth, the things that are visible and the things that are invisible. Whether they are thrones or powers, or rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him.

Gratitude Day 898

Sometimes, it requires traveling half-way around the world to realize that we are all more connected than we realize.

I’m in that boat right now.

Let me explain. My nephew, Eric, invited me to travel to Thailand with his family. His wife, Mia, is from Thailand. After Eric, his son Waylon, and I arrived in Bangkok, we traveled several hours north to Mia’s parents. She had arrived earlier to spend time with her family.

I am fortunate that I have traveled to many different countries. Yet, every time I do this, I am again reminded that we have things in common with people of different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Yes, there are plenty of things that are different: language, food, customs, traditions, ways of living, etc. Yet, there are some things that are just universally held more in common than we realize.

Here are some of those things that I are rediscovered:

Cell phones are today’s universal language. Just like America, everyone here has cell phones. It really doesn’t matter what you socio-economic status is, cell phones are part of everyone’s daily life. Just like the U.S., Thai people watch YouTube videos, they Snap Chat and use Facebook. They use them for information and communication. Old, young alike. They have cell phones.

Some brands are just world-wide. Young Thai people wear the same Nike shoes that young American people wear. Cars may have slightly different names (Toyota Fortuner vs. Toyota Forerunner) and the steering wheel maybe on the opposite side, but they are very similar. They might all be imitations, but Coach, Adidas, and many other brands we are familiar with are sold in markets. America doesn’t seem so far away when you repeatedly see KFC, Coke, McDonalds, 7-11 and other common brands.

English really is the worldwide language. No matter where you go, signs and menus will be in the local language; in this case, Thai. But often, there are also enough words in English so foreigners can get the just of the meaning. We have seen tourists from different countries speaking their native tongue. But I’m guessing they all know at least a few words of English. It really is the universal language of this world.

Even if you don’t know the language, there are ways to communicate. Years ago, I spent almost a year living overseas. I often took one of my English students with me when I was in a situation when I needed help with the local language. Yet, when I was in a situation where I had to fend for myself, I figured out how to do so.

Those were the days before Google translate.

We stayed with Mia’s family for a couple of days. They do not know English. I do not know Thai. Sometimes, the kids would say an English phrase they had heard from a movie or video. Did they know what it meant? I’m not sure. Nonetheless, there are ways people can communicate even if you don’t know a word of their native tongue. Sign language works. Saying one correctly chosen word can communicate a lot. You just have to be creative. Yes, it does help when someone can translate. But when this isn’t an option, there are ways to share basic thoughts even if you can’t say a word of the local language.

Respect other people’s views on their religion, even if they are very different from our own. Many Thai people are Buddhists. There are tons of Buddhist temples everywhere. Many homes have a little Buddhist temple on their property. We visited an ancient Buddhist temple and it was fascinating. There are also certain areas within Thailand with large Muslim populations.

Whether I fully understand their religion or not, I can respect their traditions and customs. I would hope others would do the same for my faith. If I want this, it is my responsibility to share this same respect back.

So often, we are quick to point out where we think our religion is superior to another faith.

How about we begin with simply accepting their religion and being inquisitive about their beliefs? Our job is not always to convert other people and pointing out where their faith is “wrong.” God created the Thai people. Are they any less valued or loved in God’s creation because their religious beliefs are different from mine? No.

In a time when we are so quick to point out where others are “wrong” and we are “right,” I wish we could just hit pause for a hot second and simply “love.” Whether I speak another’s language or understand their culture and religion, I must still see them as a beloved child of God. Period. This holds true if it is a person halfway around the world or your neighbor next door or the person who hits your buttons because of their different beliefs. We MUST appreciate everyone as someone created by God. This is our most important role as a Christian; not whether we are “right.”

As we continue to spend time in Thailand, my challenge for myself is to come to see, learn and appreciate the local people. Like most Americans, Thai people want to support their families, bring a little joy to their lives and have the opportunity to care for their family and friends. This is the universal language of love. It might look a bit different from what most Americans experience. But I pray that we can see more where we are alike than different.

We can appreciate how God did not create us to be all alike. And that we can learn and grow from those who live geographically and metaphorically very different from us. When we approach the world this way, then we find ourselves closer as friends than we ever anticipated.

And this, my friends, is how we truly love our neighbors as we would like to be loved.

For the opportunity to experience a different culture and part of this wonderful world, I am very grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Loving God – thank you for the opportunity to again experience more of Your great creation. May I fully appreciate all that this part of the world has to offer. Open my heart to love this part of the world and the local people; both whom you created as part of Your marvelous creation. Amen.

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