I am currently in our nation's lovely capital, Washington, D.C. This district oozes with history longing to be made known. History that has shaped not only our nation, but also the world. Monuments have been put up to honor our heroes, and buildings have been secured so that they can house some of our most precious documents. Much like any other city, there are tourists galore. You know, the people who think a selfie stick and fanny pack are the two most vital things for their day-to-day exploring. These people have scheduled tours, looked up the best (but cheapest) restaurants, spent tons of money on their white sneakers and thought the Hawaiian shirt they got on their last beach trip would be more than appropriate to wear while walking around their nation's capital. Now, not all tourists are exactly how I just described. The picture I just painted describes the typical tourist, but not all tourists are typical.
I truly believe that we each have our own inner tourist. Some are more obvious than others. If you think about it, none of us have never been to every single place on Earth. So we are all going to be newbies somewhere at some point. There are two types of tourists: the people who fully embrace their inner tourist and the people who try to disguise it. Honestly, I'm the one trying to hide it. Earlier this summer, I studied abroad in England for three weeks. While I was packing for the trip, I got on Pinterest and did some research on what type of clothing Europeans wore. They generally wear dark colors and neutrals. Pretty much on the whole trip, I wore nothing but that. I knew I already stood out a little with my camera hanging across my shoulder, but I was secretly hoping they would just think I was a photographer and not an obnoxious American.
People who embrace their inner tourist daily, I want to give you props. First, for giving me the joy of seeing a fanny pack actually in use. Second, for teaching me patience when there is a group of 50 or more of you. Third, for reminding me that this world is meant to be explored no matter the style. We are tiny human tourists in a big touristy world.
I am not saying that every place we go requires the same level of obnoxiousness as a tourist at Disney World. Even if you are on a mission trip to a place you've never been, you are still a tourist; you just might not be acting like the stereotypical one. However, we do need to remember to be tolerant of each other while we are exploring this great big world. Our inner tourists may be more adventurous than others or more obvious, but we all have one. We should also be wary of embracing our inner tourist. We are each fearfully and wonderfully made. Some people might only want to explore the boundaries of their hometown while others might want to go to the ends of the earth.
Tourism does not have to stop with things of the physical world. It can also be applied to things in the spiritual world. Ask questions, study hard concepts, read and memorize the Bible, and make sure to back up what you believe. This life is like you're going to a different place that is not your original home. And when you are not in your home, you explore. The same concept can be applied here. Embrace your inner tourist and never fear the fanny pack.
Much love to you beautiful people.
