As a single missionary, I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that it may be a while before I will be living in my own place. I can’t wait for that day, but the Lord has another plan for me at the present, which means I am privileged to live with others. And I say “privileged” for a very important reason. The second I look down upon my living situation is the moment I start to become a pain to live with.
So if you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some ideas to carry with you into what can be such a joyful experience!
Get out of your corner and into others’—and what I mean by that is to try and see your living situation from the perspective of those you are living with. One of my frustrating weaknesses is my inability to really see a circumstance from someone else’s point of view. But working on this quality has such a great influence on living selflessly. So, learn what helps you get out of your shoes. It may require (as it does for me) simply asking, “What would help you with...” or “I’m not sure I was being such a great help, what could I change?”
What would you want done? — My mother challenged me with this one. She had me write down a list of what I would want guests in my house to do. Then, she told me to follow that list as a guest in another person’s home. I would also suggest being ready to edit and revise that list often. As you see things from your host’s perspective, you may discover things that should be added to that list.
Become one of the family—Now, I’m not saying, force yourself into their love. But in our family we had certain responsibilities growing up. And moving into another person’s home doesn’t exempt me from any chores. I dirty dishes, use the shower, sleep on sheets—I live. Which means there is something to clean up. And so I need to get involved with the usual household responsibilities as well. Be observant of everyday tasks and see if you are able to take part in those tasks.
Embrace the traditions—Each family has their own traditions, ways of doing things and it’s so easy to say to myself, "Well, we always did it this way." Such a thought leads to looking down on the people you live with. So temporarily forget the way your mother peeled a potato and do it the same way as your host. You may have the opportunity to learn how to do things in a better way.
Living with other people can honestly be a treat if you go about it with humility and a willingness to serve. And hopefully when you leave, they’ll be saying “Can’t you stay a while longer?”
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