Today I cried over a plastic bag.
That’s right. You heard me correctly. Today, I shed more than one tear over a plastic bag.
You see, it wasn’t just any plastic bag. It was my one, singular plastic bag. It was a Ziploc, freezer, sandwich size bag, which in World Race terms means that it was the cream of the crop. This bag had a great variety of uses. It was my pantry, my refrigerator, my wallet, a potential trash can and literally anything I needed it to be. On this day that I lost my plastic bag, it was the place where I was keeping my crackers to protect them from the many ants that live among us.
This morning, I ate my usual breakfast of peanut butter and crackers, placed my remaining crackers in the plastic bag, zipped it up and happily went about my day. Suddenly, tragedy.
The ants had gotten into the crackers.
When I say the ants “got into the crackers”, I mean they really got in there. It was as if every ant in the entire world had told all of their friends that a party was happening in my plastic bag. Somehow, they had used their ant strength to find a small hole and make themselves at home among my crackers. The bag was not salvageable, it was time to say goodbye. And yeah, I cried.
Ya see, the Race is not comfortable. It is a step off the deep end into living life minimally. It’s letting go of the normal luxuries that we take for granted and living with little. It’s living with 3 pairs of shorts, 5 shirts and 2 dresses for 11 months. It’s living in a community center with no AC, no bed, no shower, no privacy, no fridge, no toilet, no clean water. It’s having 1 plastic bag that has multiple purposes. It’s a beautiful challenge, really, because it forces us to only take comfort in God. But even with the little that I have, I was still finding comfort in a silly plastic bag. This bag was more than protection from the ants, it was my little sliver of luxury. It was my small piece of control in an environment where everything feels out of control.
So yeah, as silly as it sounds, I cried over a plastic bag. I cried and laughed at myself for crying, it really was a sight to behold. But in throwing away my beloved ziplock baggie, I surrendered a little more to God. I let go of my comforts and abandoned my need for control. It reminded me that even if I have nothing, I still have Jesus, and that will always and forever be enough. My hope is that by the end of this year, this revelation is deeply rooted within me. I hope that every day I release control and comfort in worldly things that much more. I hope that I cling to nothing as much as I cling to Jesus.
So here’s to throwing away my plastic bag! I hope to throw away many, many more in my future 🙂
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Oh sweet Annie,
What a beautiful lesson you are learning and by sharing are making the rest of us stop and think. We all need to cling to Jesus more. You are an inspiration and already making an impact on the lives you are touching. Love you and continued prayers for you and the team.
Jana
Annie…life lessons…so powerful, and a beautiful reminder God is in control (even tho as you know I try to be…Ha!). Just this morning I was reading “God is my instant, constant, and abundant source of supply.” What a beautiful reminder!
Just think of how many ants you fed! And the beauty is the spiritual manna from God is ever lasting…thank you, God!
Is there a way to replace the Ziploc?
You are never alone. And you’re always in hearts and prayers.
Love you much,
Jean-Jean
Please, hug all God’s children and tell them they are love, and they are loved…as you are as well…hugs…
I really want to send you a box of Ziploc baggies… but I know that means I missed the point and I didn’t. ?? Thanks for your wise words to start my day! Keep up the good work!
So excited when I get an email that you posted!! Love you Annie. More than a thousand plastic bags filled with crackers.
Thank you so much, Aunt Jana! Love you and miss you and am so appreciative of your prayers 🙂
Yes, such a beautiful reminder Jean-Jean! Thank you so much for your kind words and your prayer! Love you!
hahaha, you are so sweet! thanks so much for reading and for the encouragement 🙂
Thanks so so much, Karen! Your words and encouragement and prayers always mean so much to me! Can’t wait to see you so soon!
Thank you so much Mrs. Britton! I so appreciate y’alls prayers 🙂 love y’all!
Love you so much Gracie!! Miss you lots and lots! 🙂
Aw, Annie this is so beautifully written. Throwing away anything we specifically packed can be hard, but you are looking at this so wonderfully in sacrificing it to God. Love you girl!!
hahah thanks so much, Keith!!
I so appreciate your prayers and all of your support. I am looking forward to seeing you so soon!
Thank you so much, Courtney 🙂 So thankful for you and your leadership and your constant encouragement!!
This made me smile (and not just the picture of ants having a party in your baggie). Keep that Jesus-only perspective, dear heart. It’s what we all need to take to heart!
Annie I am so proud of your journey, the lessons you are learning and what you are teaching us and those around you! Praying for sweetie!??
Love, The Brittons
An instant classic! and not just because you referred to “ant strength”… although that definitely helped. 🙂
“In throwing away my beloved ziplock baggie, I surrendered a little more to God.”
I pray that image comes to mind over and over this year (and beyond).
See you soon!