Sometimes I think about the time I went to Thailand and Cambodia in 2011 with my alma mater's (so fancy!) educa-tourist program Juniors Abroad. I remember how sucky I was at bartering and how awkward I felt about it. For example, I bought a spike fiddle at Angkor for... I don't remember how much, probably around $10. When we met up with our group later, one of the group leaders had bought a similar one for $3. I've always be horrible with money, but this was ridiculous.
At Hua Hin in Thailand, I wanted to get some knock-off Rayban sunglasses (which are EVERYWHERE) at a market, and at the place I stopped a young lady was selling them. I asked how much they were, and she said something around the equivalent of three dollars. Trying to follow the advice of others, I said, "I'm sorry, I can't do that." Psh! Seriously!? I was getting like $20 a day in spending money (food was like $1 per meal), but I just wanted to get the price lowered for the sake of my pride and for "part of the experience."
Of course, with my amazing bartering skills, she did not offer to lower the price, but instead gave the most pitiful "Pleeeeeeeeeeeaaase!" I had ever heard, which communicated, "If you don't buy these I will starve!" She knew I was a sucker, and under normal circumstances, I totally would have given in. But I had determined to get the best price or nothing.
To be honest, she was probably just playing me, but I really should have had more compassion, even if I knew for sure that she was faking it. I had way more than I needed.
What really bothers me though, is that the whole trip I was pretty much just looking out for myself; how to get the best deals and the most enjoyment. I hardly thought of the darkness around me, where people were struggling to make a living and were literally serving spirits and Bhuddas. I was not walking very close to God most of the time, and I missed a lot of opportunities to serve Him because I was distracted with everything else, especially how to use my money.
When I say, "Don't be stupid," I mean do not get caught up in money, entertainment, and other things that keep you from abiding in God. When you are around people who live in darkness, you should be clinging ever closer to the Light. Abide in Him, ever aware of His presence, seeking Him in His word, and talking with Him through prayers of praise, thanksgiving, and supplication. If you do these things, I promise you won't regret it!
