Traveling Journal: Costa Rica (Part 3)
Everywhere we went around Costa Rica we heard the same phrase, “Pura Vida.” It is a phrase that the Costa Ricans use for “hello,” “good-bye,” and as a response to “How’s it going?”
The phrase literally means “pure life,” but it means so much more than that. The meaning of the term means:
simple life
life is good
everything is alright
It embodies the laid-back, happy-go-lucky approach of the Costa Rican people, who tend to focus on the good things and not get bogged down by troubles.
It often expresses gratitude, joy, or optimism, and encourages people to embrace the present moment and to find joy in the simple things of life.
I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t describe my life here in America. Now remember, the minimum wage in Costa Rica is $3 an hour. Most people do not own homes or automobiles. Most walk or use public transportation. Most do not have all the luxuries and amenities that we do here in America, yet “Pura Vida” is their motto.
One day we got picked up from our Airbnb and went 4-wheeling to see a couple different waterfalls. When we stopped at one of the waterfalls to swim, I stayed on the rocks talking to our guide. I asked him how long he has been leading these tours and about his family. He said that he has been leading these 4-wheeling tours for 10 years and he has a wife and a little girl.
I asked, what got you in to this line of work and he said, “I really wanted a job that I could be outdoors and live the simple life.” He exuded “pura vida!” He seemed so content and happy with life. He rides 4-wheelers out in nature, eats watermelon and pineapple on the rides, and gets home in time to pick up his little girl from school.
Talking to him made me think of 1 Timothy 6:6-8 that says…
"True blessedness comes from being content with what you have, not from the pursuit of wealth. We came into this world with nothing, and we will leave it with nothing. When we have food and clothing, we should be satisfied."
Another way to say “blessedness” is “pura vida.”
This really hit me because as we were flying back into the States I felt myself getting more and more stressed. My to-do list started to creep back into my mind and I felt my blood pressure rising.
We got home from the airport around midnight and I fell into bed and was up at 7:00am the next morning running the rat race. I had people to meet, things to do, homework to finish, and work that needed to be done.
When Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This was talking about more than eternal life or salvation. I think he was referring to “pura vida.”
In John 8:36 when it says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." This is not just talking about our home in heaven, but our home on earth as well. I think he was referring to “pura vida.”
When the Psalmist in Psalm 1 says…
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
He was not just saying to stay away from sin, I think he was referring to what it means to have “pura vida.”
May God give you “pura vida” today my friends.
Be blessed,
Paul