I'm not in the loge at the moment and the change of scenery is causing me to concentrate more in order to focus. Although it's a major stretching process, I actually appreciate the opportunity to reach beyond the every day view of life and try to grasp the messages the Father is displaying in the world around me.
We enjoyed a smooth trip across the ocean and a record-breaking 10 minutes clearing passport control and customs. We ended up having to wait a few minutes for our wonderful son-in-the-Lord to arrive at the airport curb - unheard of. He delivered a warm welcome that carried us through our initial retro-steps into the American culture.
Some might say six months in another culture is child's play. We've experienced longer and shorter stays and can attest to the fact that half a year is enough to cause marked changes to appear. As we waited at the airport we were struck by the conversations around us - we could understand them. After pretty much tuning them out since we couldn't decipher the messages, we were suddenly inundated with language. It was a pleasant surprise even as it caused our auditory circuits to perk up and threaten to overload.
In the short time we waited at the airport our senses were assailed with surrounding messages - blaring TV news, screaming headlines, insistent discussions. It was a bit difficult for us to communicate with each other amidst the visual and auditory onslaught. And this was our own culture!
The first few days of our time in the USA were spent with our grandchildren. (Okay, with their parents too.) It was a delightful time of making our love for them more tangible. It seems our weekly visits by skype needed a bit of bolstering with hugs and presents, book reading and game playing. However, the activity that may have grabbed my attention the most may be driving a car.
Curt drove the first time, but my turn came next. Hah, if you think it's like riding a bike, you're wrong. Well, partially wrong. Yes, I could direct the car to go where I wanted it to go. That was easy enough. The problem came when I realized that I was behaving more like a passenger on public transportation than an attentive driver. Six months of keeping my mind on where I was going and the setting around me with my eye on charts and signs and scenery had turned me into a relatively passive traveler. It also threatened to make me a danger on the road.
The second time I drove the car I felt as if I were settling back into the proper defensive attitude that a safe driver ought to maintain. As I sensed myself returning to my earlier responsible habits, I also noticed something I found quite interesting. The more I drove the car (stepped in when I wanted to go somewhere, turned the key to bring the equipment to life, steered the vehicle where I wanted to go, . . .) the more I sensed an increase of well-being. It wasn't just the feeling of doing a good job. The best I can articulate the sensation is to say that I felt as if I were taking over the controls of my life.
I've pondered the feelings each time I've sat behind the wheel. It's still there and perhaps becoming more entrenched. I drove about eight hours today and we're now more than 450 miles and four states away from where we began. We're where we wanted to be when we wanted to be here. There's a real sense of accomplishment and mastery that comes with that performance. I'm fairly attuned to it at the moment, but I wonder how much it consumed me 'before'.
Another aspect I'm noticing on returning from a lengthy sojourn in Europe is the beauty of this country. Waterfronts and forests, mountains and valleys all bespeak the glory of their Creator. The majesty and splendor almost take my breath away. To think that God chose to launch my life within these marvel-filled borders is a mercy to contemplate. In spite of the great and multiple stresses of the last few weeks, the display of the Lord's power is a monumental reminder of His presence. I find my heart at peace.
All at once I realize that I have no idea what's in store for me - not tomorrow, nor next week, next month or next year. Plans for our days here that we thought were firmly in place have been fading away like cascading whispers. There doesn't seem to be anything stable in what I see around me. The Spirit turns my mind and I return to the only secure point of reference I have ever known, God's Word. That is where I want and need to fix my focus. The Word is what refines my view that I may see God's hand and follow where He leads. Hallelujah!
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Serving and Soaring
God is at work in the world. As I consider that reality my mind strays to spring time in Prague. Work zones abound. Up and down the streets there is visible evidence of construction underway. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic is often diverted from its normal pattern around the project in order to keep things moving toward the planned result.
In my mind's eye I imagine a globe set amidst the arrows, fences, metal barriers, and signs of all kinds and sizes. It's as if I'm catching a glimpse of God's work in Prague and Europe, the planet and the universe. He is infinitely, intensely, and intimately engaged in moving every macro- and micro-detail toward Christ's return, final judgment, and heavenly consummation. 1 Corinthians 2:9, 15:52; Philippians 2:10,11 The Father is diverting mankind from its pattern of self-destruction by granting faith and eternal life to those He loves and has graciously chosen. Matthew 25:31-46; Ephesians 1:4-8, 2:8,9
This amazing view inspires further contemplation and leads me to a more personal job site, my own heart and life. It's coming to me that the infinite, intense, and intimate attention with which God orchestrates the events all around the globe is equally applied to the work He's undertaken to prepare me individually for spending eternity with Him. This plan is not a fly-by-night, slap-dash sort of effort. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are engineering the perfect design for my future glorification. Every single setting and circumstance is being coordinated for my benefit, refinement, peace, and joy. Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 35:10, 55:10-12
You know, you can pick out the workers involved in the roadway improvement here in Prague. They usually wear orange vests, similar to those seen in other places, to make them more visible and hopefully help keep them safe. Those involved in God's work have no such obvious symbol to mark their identity. We come in all shapes and sizes and carry various skill sets and abilities. Our names might be known far and wide or they might only be uttered by a few. We are called as servants to those around us. Colossians 3:23,24; 2 Corinthians 3:3, 5:20 Our work has already been laid out for us and all we need to do is follow the Architect in faithfulness. Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 11:28-30
Hallelujah, every verse included here as well as every other promise in the Word of God is more secure than heaven and earth, as firm as the very presence and character of God. The rock on which the 'wise man' built his house in Matthew 7 withstood earthly storms, but God Himself is the Rock on which my life is anchored. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the One who has existed before time began and will continue long after time as we know it ceases. I'm trying to comprehend. His work is about the 'big picture', but at the same time God is tending me as closely and carefully as any world event. We serve and we soar.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30,31
In my mind's eye I imagine a globe set amidst the arrows, fences, metal barriers, and signs of all kinds and sizes. It's as if I'm catching a glimpse of God's work in Prague and Europe, the planet and the universe. He is infinitely, intensely, and intimately engaged in moving every macro- and micro-detail toward Christ's return, final judgment, and heavenly consummation. 1 Corinthians 2:9, 15:52; Philippians 2:10,11 The Father is diverting mankind from its pattern of self-destruction by granting faith and eternal life to those He loves and has graciously chosen. Matthew 25:31-46; Ephesians 1:4-8, 2:8,9
This amazing view inspires further contemplation and leads me to a more personal job site, my own heart and life. It's coming to me that the infinite, intense, and intimate attention with which God orchestrates the events all around the globe is equally applied to the work He's undertaken to prepare me individually for spending eternity with Him. This plan is not a fly-by-night, slap-dash sort of effort. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are engineering the perfect design for my future glorification. Every single setting and circumstance is being coordinated for my benefit, refinement, peace, and joy. Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 1:6; Isaiah 35:10, 55:10-12
You know, you can pick out the workers involved in the roadway improvement here in Prague. They usually wear orange vests, similar to those seen in other places, to make them more visible and hopefully help keep them safe. Those involved in God's work have no such obvious symbol to mark their identity. We come in all shapes and sizes and carry various skill sets and abilities. Our names might be known far and wide or they might only be uttered by a few. We are called as servants to those around us. Colossians 3:23,24; 2 Corinthians 3:3, 5:20 Our work has already been laid out for us and all we need to do is follow the Architect in faithfulness. Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 11:28-30
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30,31
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Familiar Favorites
What do I call it? How do I explain it? It's not even really clear to me so how can I put it into words? Well, let me give it a try . . .
We thought it was a simple thing. I mean, we understand that we live in another country and lots of things are different, but how complicated could it be? We took the empty container and headed off to the lékárna. Well, to tell you the truth, we weren't really sure the lékárna was where we needed to go. We walked around the neighborhood a bit, looking in windows of shops called lékárna and drogerie, but we couldn't be sure. In the end we decided to investigate both types.
Nope, the drogerie wasn't the one we needed. It offered health and beauty items, household cleaners and such. Besides, the one we tried had a half a dozen ladies waiting for service. We ducked back outside and went down the block. The lékárna had a very different atmosphere. It felt more light and airy and the workers wore white, medical-looking outfits. There were plenty of products on display so we began to poke around the aisles set by low shelving. It was the counter we discovered at the back that looked like an American pharmaceutical counter that confirmed we were in the right place.
After a few minutes of careful searching we located the eye section and the muscle section, but not the one we needed. Even the handy dandy translator app on Curt's phone didn't lead us to our quarry. We finally decided to take our need to the lady at the register. We smiled and said, "Dobrý den." (Hello) We received the same in return. Uh, er, "English?" "Yes ... a little." Bigger smiles erupted! "We're wondering if you have . . ."
I took out the little white bottle and placed it lovingly in her hand. As she started to look at it, I turned it slowly to the Drug Facts area and pointed to the Active Ingredient. I wondered for the millionth time why the print has to be minute. "Do you have this?" It was a common antihistamine that we figured we'd be able to find. Hah!! After careful scrutiny the lady said, "No, we don't have this." After some more basic back and forth she led us to the section for such things. She graciously pointed out our few choices and left us to make our decision.
There we stood!
What can be learned or compared when you can't read the words?
Volume and prices.
We did our best to use those points to determine what, if anything, we should buy. At least that was the audible discussion we carried on in soft tones. We figured out the size of each tablet, how many were in each box, and thereby were able to conclude the best price. After a bit we were able, we think, to ferret out what the účinná látka 'active ingredient' was. In that way we confirmed our suspicions that we probably weren't going to be able to find an exact replacement for our familiar remedy for cold symptoms.
I asked Curt, "Shall we look elsewhere?" Well, it was a pretty good size place and we've been around long enough to compare what's offered in small local shops versus the larger in-town stores. So it made a lot of sense that he suggested we settle on one of the products in front of us. My internal disquiet meter became active.
Once again the acculturation issue raised its ugly head!
Okay, look. One little non-prescription medication is not enough to make a major impact on one's life. I know that. So what was causing the indicator needle to rise? I checked myself.
For one thing, we didn't know anything about this specific účinná látka or its dosage. We couldn't read the label or contraindications and there wasn't anybody with whom we could really discuss its effectiveness or possible risks in detail. What would happen if we tried it and had an adverse reaction?
Besides, we were really familiar with the one we brought with us from the USA. It was more than an easy choice. We knew how to use it and it was reliable. Actually, it was our favorite brand. I could feel my neck stiffen as I realized that we were at that seemingly never-ending crossroad of needing to give up what I wanted and accept what was in front of us. Then my mental wheels started to spin.
When our analgesics ran out a couple of months earlier, a dear friend had been willing to send us a whole batch of them. Of course on that occasion I'd noticed the dwindling supply and thought to ask ahead. Now we were in a crunch with the need right before us and zero supplies. Could we wait another month? Did we want to go through the hassle of:
Was it fair to ask the same friend or another to take on the task stateside?
Nope, the negatives were too heavy to balance the weight of the benefits. It was difficult, but I let my extreme rescue plan dissolve.
Now besides my neck being stiff, I could feel all my insides get tight. The needle on my disquiet meter wasn't up to the red line, but it was time to pay it some serious attention.
Is it really worth it to put myself through this emotional stress? What are the issues? Is my reaction reasonable? I had to take myself in hand and step by step work through the process. I know enough to know that it makes no sense to take that journey alone. I heartily called out to the Lord in silence, asking for His love and Truth and power to guide me. My discoveries were not fresh, but they met my need and continue to infuse our life here with grace.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:26-28a
We're in Prague because God set us here, in this exact time and place. His hand is sovereign and nothing -NO THING- can thwart His will for us. I have been saved by His grace through faith and yet there is so much I do not know. There is so much refining that needs to be done to fit me for heaven. Since it is in Christ that I live it is to Him that I want to rest my focus, not the distractions of the world (medicines, choices, languages, insecurity) around me. I started to ignore the meter.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
It's not just God's intent to move me through my days. He has a specific plan for my life that includes His good and a blessed future. The potential upsets around me are excellent (one might say merely) opportunities to trust His loving wisdom over the minimal knowledge I assume I possess, even this being a gift from Him. Turning from His way to my own devices is the real pitfall to avoid.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I -we- have a choice to embrace the circumstances around me -us- or rail and push against them. Since Curt and I are in this place by the Father's reckoning and these are the options before us, it only makes sense to trust His hand and move forward under it. In this way I -we- can make progress with confidence being thankful for His constant presence and intimate intervention. God is good, all the time!
These thoughts and Truths passed through my mind as we stood in the aisle with two or three little cardboard boxes in our hands. The words were not quite as articulate as I've taken the time to record the Scriptures accurately for all of our benefit. Nevertheless, this is the string of facts that took me from quandary to calm right there in the middle of the lékárna in our area of Prague, the capitol of the Czech Republic, a world away from rural Maine.
We chose the one that made the most sense for a 'trial period' and left the store with our purchase.
This apparently casual incident hasn't ended the war. The struggles come several times a week in one form or another, more often when I go out than when I'm at home, but they're there. The victory none the less is secure. The Truth is known and arises more quickly and surely with each skirmish. Do I stand with one foot on the dock of my feelings and the other on the bark of trust that wants to take me into the arms of the Savior? Perish the thought!
On our last trip to Billa I was searching for liquid soap for myself for the shower. Where's the section on the shelf? How can I tell if it's 'sensitive'? What's the lowest price? Is this the best selection? Hah, before my meter even turned on I made up my mind. This is what's available. I do not want to turn every little choice into a major hunt. I live and shop here. I reached for the light blue bottle on the bottom shelf and it's been wonderful.
How about you?
PS
Just so you know. The Father has not taken away all of my familiar favorites. We gave in the other day and bought our first batch of real ice cream - Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia for me and Chocolate Fudge Brownie for Curt. God is good, all the time!
We thought it was a simple thing. I mean, we understand that we live in another country and lots of things are different, but how complicated could it be? We took the empty container and headed off to the lékárna. Well, to tell you the truth, we weren't really sure the lékárna was where we needed to go. We walked around the neighborhood a bit, looking in windows of shops called lékárna and drogerie, but we couldn't be sure. In the end we decided to investigate both types.
Nope, the drogerie wasn't the one we needed. It offered health and beauty items, household cleaners and such. Besides, the one we tried had a half a dozen ladies waiting for service. We ducked back outside and went down the block. The lékárna had a very different atmosphere. It felt more light and airy and the workers wore white, medical-looking outfits. There were plenty of products on display so we began to poke around the aisles set by low shelving. It was the counter we discovered at the back that looked like an American pharmaceutical counter that confirmed we were in the right place.
After a few minutes of careful searching we located the eye section and the muscle section, but not the one we needed. Even the handy dandy translator app on Curt's phone didn't lead us to our quarry. We finally decided to take our need to the lady at the register. We smiled and said, "Dobrý den." (Hello) We received the same in return. Uh, er, "English?" "Yes ... a little." Bigger smiles erupted! "We're wondering if you have . . ."
I took out the little white bottle and placed it lovingly in her hand. As she started to look at it, I turned it slowly to the Drug Facts area and pointed to the Active Ingredient. I wondered for the millionth time why the print has to be minute. "Do you have this?" It was a common antihistamine that we figured we'd be able to find. Hah!! After careful scrutiny the lady said, "No, we don't have this." After some more basic back and forth she led us to the section for such things. She graciously pointed out our few choices and left us to make our decision.
There we stood!
What can be learned or compared when you can't read the words?
Volume and prices.
We did our best to use those points to determine what, if anything, we should buy. At least that was the audible discussion we carried on in soft tones. We figured out the size of each tablet, how many were in each box, and thereby were able to conclude the best price. After a bit we were able, we think, to ferret out what the účinná látka 'active ingredient' was. In that way we confirmed our suspicions that we probably weren't going to be able to find an exact replacement for our familiar remedy for cold symptoms.
I asked Curt, "Shall we look elsewhere?" Well, it was a pretty good size place and we've been around long enough to compare what's offered in small local shops versus the larger in-town stores. So it made a lot of sense that he suggested we settle on one of the products in front of us. My internal disquiet meter became active.
Once again the acculturation issue raised its ugly head!
Okay, look. One little non-prescription medication is not enough to make a major impact on one's life. I know that. So what was causing the indicator needle to rise? I checked myself.
For one thing, we didn't know anything about this specific účinná látka or its dosage. We couldn't read the label or contraindications and there wasn't anybody with whom we could really discuss its effectiveness or possible risks in detail. What would happen if we tried it and had an adverse reaction?
Besides, we were really familiar with the one we brought with us from the USA. It was more than an easy choice. We knew how to use it and it was reliable. Actually, it was our favorite brand. I could feel my neck stiffen as I realized that we were at that seemingly never-ending crossroad of needing to give up what I wanted and accept what was in front of us. Then my mental wheels started to spin.
When our analgesics ran out a couple of months earlier, a dear friend had been willing to send us a whole batch of them. Of course on that occasion I'd noticed the dwindling supply and thought to ask ahead. Now we were in a crunch with the need right before us and zero supplies. Could we wait another month? Did we want to go through the hassle of:
- going all the way over to the Customs building of the Posta,
- walking through the process in two different offices,
- trying to explain once again to the special agent that the 'pills' were not from a doctor therefore they were not prescription drugs, and
- paying the duty or tariff?
Was it fair to ask the same friend or another to take on the task stateside?
Nope, the negatives were too heavy to balance the weight of the benefits. It was difficult, but I let my extreme rescue plan dissolve.
Now besides my neck being stiff, I could feel all my insides get tight. The needle on my disquiet meter wasn't up to the red line, but it was time to pay it some serious attention.
Is it really worth it to put myself through this emotional stress? What are the issues? Is my reaction reasonable? I had to take myself in hand and step by step work through the process. I know enough to know that it makes no sense to take that journey alone. I heartily called out to the Lord in silence, asking for His love and Truth and power to guide me. My discoveries were not fresh, but they met my need and continue to infuse our life here with grace.
From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:26-28a
We're in Prague because God set us here, in this exact time and place. His hand is sovereign and nothing -NO THING- can thwart His will for us. I have been saved by His grace through faith and yet there is so much I do not know. There is so much refining that needs to be done to fit me for heaven. Since it is in Christ that I live it is to Him that I want to rest my focus, not the distractions of the world (medicines, choices, languages, insecurity) around me. I started to ignore the meter.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
It's not just God's intent to move me through my days. He has a specific plan for my life that includes His good and a blessed future. The potential upsets around me are excellent (one might say merely) opportunities to trust His loving wisdom over the minimal knowledge I assume I possess, even this being a gift from Him. Turning from His way to my own devices is the real pitfall to avoid.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I -we- have a choice to embrace the circumstances around me -us- or rail and push against them. Since Curt and I are in this place by the Father's reckoning and these are the options before us, it only makes sense to trust His hand and move forward under it. In this way I -we- can make progress with confidence being thankful for His constant presence and intimate intervention. God is good, all the time!
These thoughts and Truths passed through my mind as we stood in the aisle with two or three little cardboard boxes in our hands. The words were not quite as articulate as I've taken the time to record the Scriptures accurately for all of our benefit. Nevertheless, this is the string of facts that took me from quandary to calm right there in the middle of the lékárna in our area of Prague, the capitol of the Czech Republic, a world away from rural Maine.
We chose the one that made the most sense for a 'trial period' and left the store with our purchase.
This apparently casual incident hasn't ended the war. The struggles come several times a week in one form or another, more often when I go out than when I'm at home, but they're there. The victory none the less is secure. The Truth is known and arises more quickly and surely with each skirmish. Do I stand with one foot on the dock of my feelings and the other on the bark of trust that wants to take me into the arms of the Savior? Perish the thought!
On our last trip to Billa I was searching for liquid soap for myself for the shower. Where's the section on the shelf? How can I tell if it's 'sensitive'? What's the lowest price? Is this the best selection? Hah, before my meter even turned on I made up my mind. This is what's available. I do not want to turn every little choice into a major hunt. I live and shop here. I reached for the light blue bottle on the bottom shelf and it's been wonderful.
How about you?
PS
Just so you know. The Father has not taken away all of my familiar favorites. We gave in the other day and bought our first batch of real ice cream - Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia for me and Chocolate Fudge Brownie for Curt. God is good, all the time!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Challenging Changes
In case it wasn't enough to move across an ocean to another continent with 30 days notice, let's jumble up the adjustment process by going on a two week trip after only two weeks AND a three week trip after only two and a half months, with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays in the middle. That ought to stall the process!
I chronicled a bit of the settling in process in my last entry so I trust you realize that I'm reporting and not complaining. I'll do my best not to go over old ground this time and trust you'll go back and read that entry should you desire more insights into that phase. Now we're into the nitty gritty so let's get down to it.
It's clear that Prague is the place God has chosen for us to call home. There would be no point in arguing about that and who would want to anyway? I mean it's a gorgeous city and the people are wonderful. We were sharing with a fellow worshiper on Sunday about our delight at how people give up their seats to us on public transport here. Being of the gray-haired persuasion and having spent the early years of his life in the USA, he shared our happy response to this most civil acknowledgement of our age.
Okay, so there are things to which we need to adjust. That would be true no matter where we moved. The language is a bit of a hurdle, but we're managing so far. Just yesterday we found "baby soap" on the shelf as American music played over the sound system. Of course our Czech vocabulary and fluency suffered a bit as we did our best to pick up basic swahili to be gracious to our Kenyan friends. So here we are at the topic.
What is there about this new life that God is unfolding before us that speaks of Him and can therefore guide our steps?
We've had two opportunities so far to undertake the travel portion of this new assignment and both trips were rich blessings. We learned a lot and God blessed our efforts to encourage those we met. That's a combination that can't be beat AND inspires our hearts. We're back at home for the moment, though we leave tomorrow for a quick over night trip - more on that later. Part of our adjustment process needs to be making the most of the in and out format of this new life.
I noticed while we were in Kenya that we really need to 'suspend' our normal approach to our days when we travel. Oh, we can begin with our individual quiet times and joint devotions. It just makes no sense to follow that with our usual discussion about what tasks we'd like to undertake. After all, our schedules have been set by the people we've come to serve. Besides, we don't know our way around, we don't have a way to get anywhere, and usually we don't speak the national language. We'd be pretty useless even if we did try to take matters into our own hands.
So instead we practice submitting to God's plan totally; lock, stock, and old people bodies. We're learning that we need to prioritize our needs which are way above wants when we're on the field. As a matter of fact, those wants pretty well fade into the background. We're coming to understand that spiritual needs are the highest, even above the physical. We can be well-rested and still not fit to serve. To be fair, the physical plays a close second though because we've had days where we're bubbling over to share, but fatigue and illness threaten to keep us on the sidelines.
There are times when we're shuttled from place to place and group to group until we start to feel like cardboard boxes instead of human beings created in the image of God. That's when we need to step back and take stock of our emotional levels. We need to be sure they're being wisely informed and greatly influenced by Truth. When it feels like we're out of control it's probably because we are. We just need to figure out to what degree and if there's anything reasonable we can and should do about it beyond communicating, resting and trusting.
The ups and downs can seem quite monstrous in the circumstances and yet time tends to bring perspective. God finds a way to intervene and interpose an incredible treat right on the heels of an unselfish offering. It was a six day a week, 24 hour a day service schedule, but we'll always remember opening the shutters of the chalet to be breathless once again at the sight of the Swiss Alps. More recently it was a last minute run to care for an injured child in a distant village in the African bush. We'll never forget the stop on the way back to take in a completely unobstructed view of all the starry host. Glorious!
Then we return to Prague. The natural reaction to being home from the field might be to clamp down and exercise every ounce of control available to offset the recent experience. A major hindrance to that tactic is that there's usually barely enough energy left to do more than the basics; unpack, start laundry, get groceries, etc. In situations like this I'm actually very thankful for those limitations of the physical body. They can keep me from falling into major pits. For example -
There was only a two hour time difference on this last trip so the tiredness I was feeling didn't seem to make sense. Then again it was an all night flight during which I barely slept so I figured a nap would do the trick. By the third day I realized my napping was only leading to confusing my body between day and night so I weaned myself from them. It was necessary and realistic to get things back in order around our home. It was even important to reconnect with the whole aspect of making future plans. It took a while to come to me, but I do realize that I have to be careful to avoid thinking I'm in control.
Sure, when we're in own Prague 'castle' we can make our way to Billa, the grocery store chain we frequent, without a second thought. We can fill our basket with items that meet our needs with more confidence and fewer on-the-spot iPhone research projects. Yesterday we were even able to keep the volume within hand-carrying ease. Hurray for us! By the way, they're carrying the brand of milk with the little screw cap again. It's only in .5%, but we're delighted. (Read the last entry to get the full impact of that detail.) I'm delighted to say that there's a sense of ease and facility that's making itself known to us here.
I'd like to close this entry with some basic truths that are threatening to burst out of my head.
In some sort of crazy, apparently backward yet totally divine way God is orchestrating our exact situation to cause me to relax in this new place. It could have taken years for me/us to settle in by some other process I suppose - learning the language, building relationships, orienting to the environs. Instead, in less than six months on the Father's plan, there's an awareness of His presence that causes my heart and brain and soul to rest. It's not a laid back "Oh well, God'll work it out" reaction. It's an authentic, enthusiastic "Wow, God's in total control and He's got my back" response. Romans 8:31,32
I know that one of the main weapons the enemy likes to use is the element of surprise. If he can keep us off balance he has a better chance of running his other scams on us. That's why Paul's words in 1 Peter 4:12,13 mean so much to me. Every time God brings one of these mysteriously unsettling events into my life I'm reminded of it again. It's one of those truths that I need implanted in my daily life. Actually, this whole blog is about more than just my life. It's about daily life, regular life, REAL LIFE.
The Lord is gracious. That's who He is. He takes His people where they need to be to grow in and through His grace. That's why we're in Prague and why you are where you are. Acts 17:26, 27 Of course related growth develops along with the areas of faith and trust. God's chosen are adopted as true sons and daughters to be prepared to live with Him eternally. Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-8, 2:6-10 We're receiving exactly what we need not only for the future but for the present, to glorify and enjoy God now. I'm beginning to see, through the help of our friends, that the more we do that the more others see Him.
Thank you for allowing Christ to use you so mightily in our lives. You fitted in so well and took us just as we were. We met Jesus in you. Stella, Chauffeuse Extraordinaire
May our glorious and gracious God fill your heart and life with His power and peace, right where you are. Amen
PS We have to get to Bratislava, Slovakia tomorrow for an interview at the Czech embassy relative to our visa application process. We only had two days' notice and there's loads of stuff to do to get ready for what is most reasonably a two-day trip. It's another opportunity to practice the 'on the field/back at home' dynamic of our new life. I'll let you know how this round goes.
I chronicled a bit of the settling in process in my last entry so I trust you realize that I'm reporting and not complaining. I'll do my best not to go over old ground this time and trust you'll go back and read that entry should you desire more insights into that phase. Now we're into the nitty gritty so let's get down to it.
It's clear that Prague is the place God has chosen for us to call home. There would be no point in arguing about that and who would want to anyway? I mean it's a gorgeous city and the people are wonderful. We were sharing with a fellow worshiper on Sunday about our delight at how people give up their seats to us on public transport here. Being of the gray-haired persuasion and having spent the early years of his life in the USA, he shared our happy response to this most civil acknowledgement of our age.
Okay, so there are things to which we need to adjust. That would be true no matter where we moved. The language is a bit of a hurdle, but we're managing so far. Just yesterday we found "baby soap" on the shelf as American music played over the sound system. Of course our Czech vocabulary and fluency suffered a bit as we did our best to pick up basic swahili to be gracious to our Kenyan friends. So here we are at the topic.
What is there about this new life that God is unfolding before us that speaks of Him and can therefore guide our steps?
We've had two opportunities so far to undertake the travel portion of this new assignment and both trips were rich blessings. We learned a lot and God blessed our efforts to encourage those we met. That's a combination that can't be beat AND inspires our hearts. We're back at home for the moment, though we leave tomorrow for a quick over night trip - more on that later. Part of our adjustment process needs to be making the most of the in and out format of this new life.
I noticed while we were in Kenya that we really need to 'suspend' our normal approach to our days when we travel. Oh, we can begin with our individual quiet times and joint devotions. It just makes no sense to follow that with our usual discussion about what tasks we'd like to undertake. After all, our schedules have been set by the people we've come to serve. Besides, we don't know our way around, we don't have a way to get anywhere, and usually we don't speak the national language. We'd be pretty useless even if we did try to take matters into our own hands.
So instead we practice submitting to God's plan totally; lock, stock, and old people bodies. We're learning that we need to prioritize our needs which are way above wants when we're on the field. As a matter of fact, those wants pretty well fade into the background. We're coming to understand that spiritual needs are the highest, even above the physical. We can be well-rested and still not fit to serve. To be fair, the physical plays a close second though because we've had days where we're bubbling over to share, but fatigue and illness threaten to keep us on the sidelines.
There are times when we're shuttled from place to place and group to group until we start to feel like cardboard boxes instead of human beings created in the image of God. That's when we need to step back and take stock of our emotional levels. We need to be sure they're being wisely informed and greatly influenced by Truth. When it feels like we're out of control it's probably because we are. We just need to figure out to what degree and if there's anything reasonable we can and should do about it beyond communicating, resting and trusting.
The ups and downs can seem quite monstrous in the circumstances and yet time tends to bring perspective. God finds a way to intervene and interpose an incredible treat right on the heels of an unselfish offering. It was a six day a week, 24 hour a day service schedule, but we'll always remember opening the shutters of the chalet to be breathless once again at the sight of the Swiss Alps. More recently it was a last minute run to care for an injured child in a distant village in the African bush. We'll never forget the stop on the way back to take in a completely unobstructed view of all the starry host. Glorious!
Then we return to Prague. The natural reaction to being home from the field might be to clamp down and exercise every ounce of control available to offset the recent experience. A major hindrance to that tactic is that there's usually barely enough energy left to do more than the basics; unpack, start laundry, get groceries, etc. In situations like this I'm actually very thankful for those limitations of the physical body. They can keep me from falling into major pits. For example -
There was only a two hour time difference on this last trip so the tiredness I was feeling didn't seem to make sense. Then again it was an all night flight during which I barely slept so I figured a nap would do the trick. By the third day I realized my napping was only leading to confusing my body between day and night so I weaned myself from them. It was necessary and realistic to get things back in order around our home. It was even important to reconnect with the whole aspect of making future plans. It took a while to come to me, but I do realize that I have to be careful to avoid thinking I'm in control.
Sure, when we're in own Prague 'castle' we can make our way to Billa, the grocery store chain we frequent, without a second thought. We can fill our basket with items that meet our needs with more confidence and fewer on-the-spot iPhone research projects. Yesterday we were even able to keep the volume within hand-carrying ease. Hurray for us! By the way, they're carrying the brand of milk with the little screw cap again. It's only in .5%, but we're delighted. (Read the last entry to get the full impact of that detail.) I'm delighted to say that there's a sense of ease and facility that's making itself known to us here.
I'd like to close this entry with some basic truths that are threatening to burst out of my head.
In some sort of crazy, apparently backward yet totally divine way God is orchestrating our exact situation to cause me to relax in this new place. It could have taken years for me/us to settle in by some other process I suppose - learning the language, building relationships, orienting to the environs. Instead, in less than six months on the Father's plan, there's an awareness of His presence that causes my heart and brain and soul to rest. It's not a laid back "Oh well, God'll work it out" reaction. It's an authentic, enthusiastic "Wow, God's in total control and He's got my back" response. Romans 8:31,32
I know that one of the main weapons the enemy likes to use is the element of surprise. If he can keep us off balance he has a better chance of running his other scams on us. That's why Paul's words in 1 Peter 4:12,13 mean so much to me. Every time God brings one of these mysteriously unsettling events into my life I'm reminded of it again. It's one of those truths that I need implanted in my daily life. Actually, this whole blog is about more than just my life. It's about daily life, regular life, REAL LIFE.
The Lord is gracious. That's who He is. He takes His people where they need to be to grow in and through His grace. That's why we're in Prague and why you are where you are. Acts 17:26, 27 Of course related growth develops along with the areas of faith and trust. God's chosen are adopted as true sons and daughters to be prepared to live with Him eternally. Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-8, 2:6-10 We're receiving exactly what we need not only for the future but for the present, to glorify and enjoy God now. I'm beginning to see, through the help of our friends, that the more we do that the more others see Him.
Thank you for allowing Christ to use you so mightily in our lives. You fitted in so well and took us just as we were. We met Jesus in you. Stella, Chauffeuse Extraordinaire
May our glorious and gracious God fill your heart and life with His power and peace, right where you are. Amen
PS We have to get to Bratislava, Slovakia tomorrow for an interview at the Czech embassy relative to our visa application process. We only had two days' notice and there's loads of stuff to do to get ready for what is most reasonably a two-day trip. It's another opportunity to practice the 'on the field/back at home' dynamic of our new life. I'll let you know how this round goes.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Predictable Peas?
Another month has gone by and I'm not really sure where I am. I mean I know I'm in our flat in Prague, the capitol of the Czech Republic. I just don't know where I am in my head and heart. I've been sharing about our new life here so maybe I'll carry on with that and see if I find myself.
I think we're adjusting nicely to European life. We've got the hint of a routine developing and that feels good. We haven't been able to get into the Hussite church that sits in the complex courtyard our balcony overlooks yet. To tell you the truth, the modern facade is a bit imposing. We're becoming really proficient at getting around the city on public transit. We've learned to time our departure for church just right and gone into whole new areas of the city.
One of our forays took place through Curt's efforts to get business cards made for us. He found a printer on line and placed the order. He even researched the directions on how to get there. When the day came to pick up the cards we rode a #9 tram for the first time. It took us to a different neighborhood and, by God's grace, we recognized the name of the stop. We weren't sure which way to go so Curt asked the guys who were running a make-shift Christmas tree stall. They pointed us toward a street across a parking lot.
We headed off in that direction and at the corner were considering which way to turn. Just as we were taking our first steps, a lady who'd heard Curt asking directions rushed up to help us. She was anxious to point us to the right - so kind! We thanked her profusely and made our way to a little white door by the number Curt was given. There was a sign that said 'printer' on it, but the name was different so he called the number he'd been given on his mobile. (That's European for cell phone.)
Yes, we were in the right place and the lady came to open the door for us. She led us back through a series of twists and turns to a tiny room with another lady in it. They showed us the business cards and asked if they were acceptable. We really liked they way they looked and expressed our enthusiasm. The bill was presented and Curt paid it. There were a few questions for us about why we were living in Czech and how we liked Prague. It was really a very professional and friendly interchange. A task done, yippeee!
I was thankful we had this relatively easy errand under our belt when it came time to go to collect a special 3-5 day delivery package. Now that was a real stretch. We got an envelope that Curt had to go down to the mail carrier and sign for. When packages come they buzz us in our flat. Of course when we opened it, we had no idea what it said. As God would have it Curt had an appointment with our visa agent that day. So he took it along to ask her about it. (Please do pray that God would choose to grant our visas.)
She confirmed it was a package that we needed to go and collect - at a special Posta office in another part of the city. She offered to go with us, but wouldn't be available until after the first of the year. We decided to undertake the job ourselves. The next day we headed out bright and early. We had to take another new tram number into another new area of the city. The large building didn't have any identification on it. We just saw people coming out with packages so we followed the line in reverse.
Curt's becoming pretty adept at matching words on documents to signs on doors and service windows. We went to the third floor, down the hall and into office #1. We smiled at the man at the available counter and said hello in Czech as we handed over the paper work. He took a look at it and very kindly directed us to go out the door down the hall, around to the left and into another office. We took back our papers and made our way where he pointed. In office #2 there was a line.
A lady was looking at people's paperwork and directing them to the proper windows. She pointed us to the first one. We smiled at this postal worker and handed over our papers. She took them, went through a box of filed papers and seemed to match things. Then she handed back the papers and directed us to go back to office #1. We thanked her, smiled some more, and headed back through the hallway maze. It was a little discouraging because we had been watching other people get their packages and leave.
This time the worker in office #1 was happier about seeing us. He took our papers, looked something up on his computer, and pulled out another document. When he seemed satisfied, he applied what we're learning is a requirement in lots of situations, ink imprints. I think I heard the stamp hit the papers six times before he scribbled his signature on them. As he handed our paperwork back he let us know we needed to go back to office #2. We were starting to feel hopeful as we headed back to where the packages were.
This time the lady pointed us to the second window and we were fifth in line. We used the wait to observe the steps those in front of us took, hoping we'd be ready when it was our turn. Hallelujah, the lady smiled really big when we said hello in Czech. That was a good sign. After she took our papers and went through them she let us know we had to pay a fee. She slipped us a note to let us know the amount. Curt was ready for that so he gave her the amount, 100 korund about $5. Then we got to go over to the package counter.
The lady there took our paperwork and went into the back to retrieve our package. It didn't take her long as she'd already checked out our numbers while we were waiting in line. I let her know I thought she was pretty clever. When she came out with the package I nearly jumped for joy. I took it from her with a massive smile on my face and the very best Czech thank you I could muster. She smiled back, reflecting the appreciation I was trying to communicate. Somehow "Merry Christmas" didn't seem to fit.
Now, have you figured out that these adventures are all taking place in Czech? There's a whole lot of head bobbing and general body language going on to communicate where language fails. Thankfully most Czechs have at least a smattering of English because our Czech hasn't progressed much at all. Hello, please, thank you, excuse me, the next stop is, and a few nouns are pretty much our limit so far. On top of that there's a whole set of different systems set up for mail and commerce and so on - much to learn.
I think I'm getting an idea of where I am. I'll share two more scenarios to see if I can communicate it to you. The first is Christmas Day. We believe in the richness and holding power of traditions. We've worked hard over the last 30+ years to build family traditions that will cause us to revel in the goodness of God. We've arranged our schedules for the last 14 years to make sure we spent it with our grandchildren. The circumstances of 2011 did not allow for that blessing. God intervened in a fantastic way.
Of course it didn't happen automatically. We had to plan and purpose together with our daughter and her household. With the schedule set, we gathered together around their New Hampshire Christmas tree to share the celebration over skype. What fun we had enjoying the cinnamon bun Christmas trees we've baked and eaten for decades. Their treat was made with Poppin' Fresh dough and ours with from-scratch dough. Theirs had green frosting and sprinkles. Ours had a dusting of confectionary sugar.
We had to take a long break as they went off to church and we ate our Christmas dinner. When we connected again the children were back in their pajamas. We enjoyed watching them open the gifts we'd sent. Their delight in the tokens of our love warmed our hearts. There was laughing and joking and rejoicing enough to fill two homes nearly 4000 miles apart - a day to remember. Thank you, God, for giving the knowledge for skype and setting the timing to be right now when You've placed us here.
I've finally come around to the actual topic I've been pondering. It's about the predictability of life and grocery shopping. Let me see if I can explain. I'm realizing that one of the main issues I'm confronting is the need to be 'ready for anything' so much of the time. I know that life in the USA isn't perfectly comfortable every day. I lived there the majority of my life so I get it. However, there are certain things about living in one's own culture that contribute to a certain level of comfort or core relaxation.
Yes, I know you're probably already thinking back to our Posta experience and figuring that's enough to explain it, but there's more. Billa, the grocery store where we shop, is the example that keeps coming to mind. We've been there numerous times. It's not that big and we know our way around. We understand the routine for returning empties and how to check out when we have to bag things ourselves. We've even learned that we have to keep in mind the weight and volume of our purchases so we can transport them.
We've really made our way in this one area so how does Billa contribute to the ongoing need to be alert? It hit me the other day. You know how when you've been shopping in a certain grocery store for a while and you've compared prices and quality and such on a certain product? You've decided that a certain brand and type of milk, let's say Borden's 1%, is the one that suits your needs. Week after week you pick up a gallon or two for your family. Well, what do you do if there's no Borden's on the shelf?
Okay, maybe you go an extra day or two without it and come back for more. Or perhaps it's an item you can wait longer for such as a bag of frozen peas. No problem, if you're like me you just circle it on your list and copy it onto next week's list. But what if you go again and it's not there? Maybe you'll choose a more expensive brand or one that doesn't really suit in one way or another or maybe you'll just wait until it shows up again. But what if you really need it and there isn't another brand? What happens then?
Suddenly shopping, one of the most regular routines in life, isn't all that predictable. And if this basic routine is unpredictable, what does that say about the rest of your errands and tasks and days? Now you've got an inkling of what I'm trying to articulate. The last four times we've been to Billa they didn't have the milk we like best. It took us a while to figure out which one it is, Meggle Mléko, 1,5% tuku that comes in a 1 litr [sic] carton with a little cap on the top. We've been buying it for weeks, but not lately. :-(
Praise God we had a few cartons stock piled in our cabinet because we've lived in Europe before and we know one needs to keep stores of basics. Nevertheless it's a bit disconcerting to realize we're going to have to go back through the whole decision-making process all over again. We haven't been able to find this item at the other grocery store, Albert's. The alternatives are all in cartons, but none of them have the handy little screw top closure. It means one tiny bit of life that we thought we had settled isn't settled at all.
Look, don't think I'm complaining. That's not the point. Remember, I'm just trying to figure out where I am. There are and will be for a long while yet new twists and turns in the adjustment department. That happens whether one moves across town or across the globe. There are also fresh and rich facets in the blessing department. God is displaying the power and creativity of His all-consuming love for us in intimate ways that boggle my mind. Our precious family skype Christmas is only one example.
I guess it's the unpredictable things, those that cause me to feel unsettled and push me to keep my antennae up, that make me wonder where I am. God has certainly set me in a place where I'm forced to ponder it. I know unpredictable things happened in our cozy life in Maine. It just didn't seem so often. I've come to realize their increasing number reminds me of the unpredictability of life itself. For that reason I want to embrace this aspect of our experience. Life is unpredictable and my only real security is in Christ.
It was obvious to both of us that God wasn't bringing us to Prague only to serve others. We were aware that we were being transplanted to promote our own growth as well. I'm seeing glimpses of the perfection of the Father's plan through the events I've shared with you here. I don't know what's ahead, but I do know I can trust the Savior to go with me. I'm not sure I can handle it, but I do know the Comforter will sustain me. I do know where I am, safe in God's sovereign hands for His eternal purposes.
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you as you move into 2012. May it be a year where you too will recognize that you are right where you need to be to grow in faith and trust in the God's love for you. Amen
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:24-28
I think we're adjusting nicely to European life. We've got the hint of a routine developing and that feels good. We haven't been able to get into the Hussite church that sits in the complex courtyard our balcony overlooks yet. To tell you the truth, the modern facade is a bit imposing. We're becoming really proficient at getting around the city on public transit. We've learned to time our departure for church just right and gone into whole new areas of the city.
One of our forays took place through Curt's efforts to get business cards made for us. He found a printer on line and placed the order. He even researched the directions on how to get there. When the day came to pick up the cards we rode a #9 tram for the first time. It took us to a different neighborhood and, by God's grace, we recognized the name of the stop. We weren't sure which way to go so Curt asked the guys who were running a make-shift Christmas tree stall. They pointed us toward a street across a parking lot.
We headed off in that direction and at the corner were considering which way to turn. Just as we were taking our first steps, a lady who'd heard Curt asking directions rushed up to help us. She was anxious to point us to the right - so kind! We thanked her profusely and made our way to a little white door by the number Curt was given. There was a sign that said 'printer' on it, but the name was different so he called the number he'd been given on his mobile. (That's European for cell phone.)
Yes, we were in the right place and the lady came to open the door for us. She led us back through a series of twists and turns to a tiny room with another lady in it. They showed us the business cards and asked if they were acceptable. We really liked they way they looked and expressed our enthusiasm. The bill was presented and Curt paid it. There were a few questions for us about why we were living in Czech and how we liked Prague. It was really a very professional and friendly interchange. A task done, yippeee!
I was thankful we had this relatively easy errand under our belt when it came time to go to collect a special 3-5 day delivery package. Now that was a real stretch. We got an envelope that Curt had to go down to the mail carrier and sign for. When packages come they buzz us in our flat. Of course when we opened it, we had no idea what it said. As God would have it Curt had an appointment with our visa agent that day. So he took it along to ask her about it. (Please do pray that God would choose to grant our visas.)
She confirmed it was a package that we needed to go and collect - at a special Posta office in another part of the city. She offered to go with us, but wouldn't be available until after the first of the year. We decided to undertake the job ourselves. The next day we headed out bright and early. We had to take another new tram number into another new area of the city. The large building didn't have any identification on it. We just saw people coming out with packages so we followed the line in reverse.
Curt's becoming pretty adept at matching words on documents to signs on doors and service windows. We went to the third floor, down the hall and into office #1. We smiled at the man at the available counter and said hello in Czech as we handed over the paper work. He took a look at it and very kindly directed us to go out the door down the hall, around to the left and into another office. We took back our papers and made our way where he pointed. In office #2 there was a line.
A lady was looking at people's paperwork and directing them to the proper windows. She pointed us to the first one. We smiled at this postal worker and handed over our papers. She took them, went through a box of filed papers and seemed to match things. Then she handed back the papers and directed us to go back to office #1. We thanked her, smiled some more, and headed back through the hallway maze. It was a little discouraging because we had been watching other people get their packages and leave.
This time the worker in office #1 was happier about seeing us. He took our papers, looked something up on his computer, and pulled out another document. When he seemed satisfied, he applied what we're learning is a requirement in lots of situations, ink imprints. I think I heard the stamp hit the papers six times before he scribbled his signature on them. As he handed our paperwork back he let us know we needed to go back to office #2. We were starting to feel hopeful as we headed back to where the packages were.
This time the lady pointed us to the second window and we were fifth in line. We used the wait to observe the steps those in front of us took, hoping we'd be ready when it was our turn. Hallelujah, the lady smiled really big when we said hello in Czech. That was a good sign. After she took our papers and went through them she let us know we had to pay a fee. She slipped us a note to let us know the amount. Curt was ready for that so he gave her the amount, 100 korund about $5. Then we got to go over to the package counter.
The lady there took our paperwork and went into the back to retrieve our package. It didn't take her long as she'd already checked out our numbers while we were waiting in line. I let her know I thought she was pretty clever. When she came out with the package I nearly jumped for joy. I took it from her with a massive smile on my face and the very best Czech thank you I could muster. She smiled back, reflecting the appreciation I was trying to communicate. Somehow "Merry Christmas" didn't seem to fit.
Now, have you figured out that these adventures are all taking place in Czech? There's a whole lot of head bobbing and general body language going on to communicate where language fails. Thankfully most Czechs have at least a smattering of English because our Czech hasn't progressed much at all. Hello, please, thank you, excuse me, the next stop is, and a few nouns are pretty much our limit so far. On top of that there's a whole set of different systems set up for mail and commerce and so on - much to learn.
I think I'm getting an idea of where I am. I'll share two more scenarios to see if I can communicate it to you. The first is Christmas Day. We believe in the richness and holding power of traditions. We've worked hard over the last 30+ years to build family traditions that will cause us to revel in the goodness of God. We've arranged our schedules for the last 14 years to make sure we spent it with our grandchildren. The circumstances of 2011 did not allow for that blessing. God intervened in a fantastic way.
Of course it didn't happen automatically. We had to plan and purpose together with our daughter and her household. With the schedule set, we gathered together around their New Hampshire Christmas tree to share the celebration over skype. What fun we had enjoying the cinnamon bun Christmas trees we've baked and eaten for decades. Their treat was made with Poppin' Fresh dough and ours with from-scratch dough. Theirs had green frosting and sprinkles. Ours had a dusting of confectionary sugar.
We had to take a long break as they went off to church and we ate our Christmas dinner. When we connected again the children were back in their pajamas. We enjoyed watching them open the gifts we'd sent. Their delight in the tokens of our love warmed our hearts. There was laughing and joking and rejoicing enough to fill two homes nearly 4000 miles apart - a day to remember. Thank you, God, for giving the knowledge for skype and setting the timing to be right now when You've placed us here.
I've finally come around to the actual topic I've been pondering. It's about the predictability of life and grocery shopping. Let me see if I can explain. I'm realizing that one of the main issues I'm confronting is the need to be 'ready for anything' so much of the time. I know that life in the USA isn't perfectly comfortable every day. I lived there the majority of my life so I get it. However, there are certain things about living in one's own culture that contribute to a certain level of comfort or core relaxation.
Yes, I know you're probably already thinking back to our Posta experience and figuring that's enough to explain it, but there's more. Billa, the grocery store where we shop, is the example that keeps coming to mind. We've been there numerous times. It's not that big and we know our way around. We understand the routine for returning empties and how to check out when we have to bag things ourselves. We've even learned that we have to keep in mind the weight and volume of our purchases so we can transport them.
We've really made our way in this one area so how does Billa contribute to the ongoing need to be alert? It hit me the other day. You know how when you've been shopping in a certain grocery store for a while and you've compared prices and quality and such on a certain product? You've decided that a certain brand and type of milk, let's say Borden's 1%, is the one that suits your needs. Week after week you pick up a gallon or two for your family. Well, what do you do if there's no Borden's on the shelf?
Okay, maybe you go an extra day or two without it and come back for more. Or perhaps it's an item you can wait longer for such as a bag of frozen peas. No problem, if you're like me you just circle it on your list and copy it onto next week's list. But what if you go again and it's not there? Maybe you'll choose a more expensive brand or one that doesn't really suit in one way or another or maybe you'll just wait until it shows up again. But what if you really need it and there isn't another brand? What happens then?
Suddenly shopping, one of the most regular routines in life, isn't all that predictable. And if this basic routine is unpredictable, what does that say about the rest of your errands and tasks and days? Now you've got an inkling of what I'm trying to articulate. The last four times we've been to Billa they didn't have the milk we like best. It took us a while to figure out which one it is, Meggle Mléko, 1,5% tuku that comes in a 1 litr [sic] carton with a little cap on the top. We've been buying it for weeks, but not lately. :-(
Praise God we had a few cartons stock piled in our cabinet because we've lived in Europe before and we know one needs to keep stores of basics. Nevertheless it's a bit disconcerting to realize we're going to have to go back through the whole decision-making process all over again. We haven't been able to find this item at the other grocery store, Albert's. The alternatives are all in cartons, but none of them have the handy little screw top closure. It means one tiny bit of life that we thought we had settled isn't settled at all.
Look, don't think I'm complaining. That's not the point. Remember, I'm just trying to figure out where I am. There are and will be for a long while yet new twists and turns in the adjustment department. That happens whether one moves across town or across the globe. There are also fresh and rich facets in the blessing department. God is displaying the power and creativity of His all-consuming love for us in intimate ways that boggle my mind. Our precious family skype Christmas is only one example.
I guess it's the unpredictable things, those that cause me to feel unsettled and push me to keep my antennae up, that make me wonder where I am. God has certainly set me in a place where I'm forced to ponder it. I know unpredictable things happened in our cozy life in Maine. It just didn't seem so often. I've come to realize their increasing number reminds me of the unpredictability of life itself. For that reason I want to embrace this aspect of our experience. Life is unpredictable and my only real security is in Christ.
It was obvious to both of us that God wasn't bringing us to Prague only to serve others. We were aware that we were being transplanted to promote our own growth as well. I'm seeing glimpses of the perfection of the Father's plan through the events I've shared with you here. I don't know what's ahead, but I do know I can trust the Savior to go with me. I'm not sure I can handle it, but I do know the Comforter will sustain me. I do know where I am, safe in God's sovereign hands for His eternal purposes.
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you as you move into 2012. May it be a year where you too will recognize that you are right where you need to be to grow in faith and trust in the God's love for you. Amen
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:24-28
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Barely Beginning
My days are filled with joy at the richness of the life God is giving us. The city of Prague is cosmopolitan. There's no doubt about that. It's got a lively pace with waves of tourists all over the downtown area, even in December. Yet the Lord has tucked us away in a slower neighborhood at the end of the green metro line. If you've got a map handy, we're right near Dejvicka, the terminus on the north side toward the airport.
The place the Lord has given us to live can only be described as a gift. It is up on the fifth floor of a lovely building and has sky lights galore. There's a clean, well-maintained, and nice size elevator that whisks us to our lofty perch. When we're ensconced inside we take off our shoes and put on our slippers (that's European for welcome) then make our way upstairs. That's where our living space opens out through wide glass doors. The balcony runs across in front of our bedroom and we've already enjoyed a late night dinner out there by candle light.
I want to be sure to mention that there is a guest suite on the first floor where we enter. It's got a nice size bedroom with two skylights, a bath room, and a toilet room (that's European for proper facilities). There's also a nice size guest room on the second floor that has sky lights that shares our master bath. We have two single beds already and as the Lord provides the furniture we'll excitedly welcome the people He sends to us. We can hardly wait.
As for us, we recently replaced the picnic table with a nice dining room set. The six chairs are all sturdy and the table has a leaf for when our guests arrive. We've got two comfy chairs and a low table for the living area so far, a desk for Curt's little, no window office space, a sideboard, and a book case with a fold out desk top for me. It's a slow process this decorating thing, but the Lord is gracious and we know His timing is perfect.
It's been a treat to find our way around public transit; trams, buses, metro. We're even learning to time our departure from the flat (that's European for 'apartment') so that we arrive at the stop without too much time to wait. It sure does beat having a car/cars; parking, gas, etc. We applied for Open Cards which give discounts for transit tickets so the cost is relatively low, especially for pensioners (that's European for 'old folks'). So the pass in my pocket let's me ride anywhere in the city. If I get stopped by an inspector, I just need to hand him/her my card to be swiped in a hand-held machine to prove I've paid for the privilege.
There's a grocery store only one tram stop away that's a good size and has pretty much what we need. Billa (that's European for something like Stop 'n Shop or Kroger) is the chain we've chosen because we like what they carry and the prices are reasonable. Okay . . . and it's also pretty easy to shop there with hardly any Czech language. (little confession there)
God has led us to a church we think we'll settle in and He's opening doors for relationships. We find ourselves drawn almost inexorably to the internationals around us. A Swedish family welcomed us into their home with warm hospitality. A British lady took us to the used furniture barn outside the city. A Bulgarian-married-to-a-Czech mother of three will be coming by this week for tea. We continue in our joy of witnessing the unity and diversity of the Godhead in the brothers and sisters we meet.
There's so much good stuff going on with this whole, exciting move that it was a bit of a surprise to find myself struggling a bit. It's hard to explain what was going on, but I felt a little off-balance somehow. It took me a couple of days to recognize that I was more than just physically tired. Then it took some time to identify the source of the unsettled-ness - for that's just what it was.
Okay, so I'm slow, but it finally dawned on me that moving is listed as one of life's major stressors. I stopped to consider how a change from rural Maine to a European capitol city might appear on that scale, even for someone who loves Europe and is pretty familiar with it. I decided it was probably at the top of the stressor scale. My first step following that conclusion was to give myself permission to be a little 'off my game' during what was actually an adjustment period. Phew, that was a relief!
Then I started to consider some of the changes in my life - delightful, welcome, wonderful changes. I'm grateful for our flat and the ease and speed at which we've been able to acquire it. The practical aspects take a bit of getting used to though. The rent must be paid monthly by bank transfer. The electric and gas bills must be paid quarterly the same way or, as we've chosen, by going to the proper window at our neighborhood Posta. The 'meters' are read only once a year when the accounts are balanced and we receive an additional bill or a credit. There are no checks in Czech.
All of those financial inner workings has required, so far, three trips to the bank we chose. It has a wonderful expat department and all we have to do is email to schedule an appointment with our personal representative. Vladimir is personable as well as professional, but the paperwork we've already generated is more than one fills in for a mortgage. It's really quite intriguing.
Of course the flat also generates day-to-day adjustments. I'm blessed to have a washing machine on the same floor as our living space. It does wash only about a third to a half of what the basic American washer would hold, but that just means I need to watch the hamper more closely. Well, there's no dryer so I guess that's another adjustment. I need to keep in mind that things have to dry on the drying rack so I can't be sure to have dry sheets in time to remake the bed the same night - without extra attention to place them near a radiator, that is. Hey, I'm delighted to have sheets so that's an easy 'exchange', right?
We're very pleased to have a table to eat at, desk space to work at, and two chairs to sit in and relax. The energy and effort to finish the furnishing process doesn't need to take up too much of my life. Well, except that we can't really invite people over when there's no place to sit. We can't really welcome guests until they've got a place to sleep. Yes, but that can only happen as God intervenes so I have to put down the topic more often than not.
The public transit is more than a convenient way to get around. We're learning 'transit Czech' as we practice the words we hear announcing each stop along the way. We're also getting to know the culture as we observe the passengers as well as the people and shops and activities outside the windows. I am especially pleased that there's a fairly level walk that's about a mile to the main tram/bus/metro hub nearby. It gives me/us some exercise each time we venture out. It's just that it's not so much fun on the days when my leg is acting up; more adjustment.
I am really glad our Billa is so close. We'll be going there today. We'll take our shopping cart with two wheels and a handle on the tram with us. We've got a pretty good system going. After we make our selections Curt shepherds them onto the counter and pays while I stand at the end and madly pack the items into our shopping cart. If I don't finish in time we have to throw the stuff into the regular grocery cart and move to the small stainless steel counters provided to finish the job. Then we have to haul what we purchased onto the tram and back home. Now you know why Europeans tend to shop more often than once a week - and so do we.
Yes, there are adjustments galore going on. The Lord's graciousness to show me the reason for the unbalanced feeling and its understandable nature has been a huge blessing. It's caused me to reinforce my commitment to begin each day with quiet time in the Word before His throne of mercy. My heart pours forth anew with thankfulness for the peace and power the Father provides without demanding some undefined, amorphous repayment. I am honored to offer Him all the love and faith, confidence and joy I can muster by the Spirit's comfort and counsel.
Oh, I didn't tell you about the Hussite church that's right down in our courtyard. It's a very old building but its facade is brand new and modern. It actually looks out on the little park with fountains and bronze horse statues at the end of the block. When we were weaving our lights into the balcony railing the other day we heard the organ playing Christmas hymns. I guess I'll have to save that for another time. I need to get ready to go to Billa.
May God also meet you right where you are - in the world or in your heart. He is the One who sustains.
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
The place the Lord has given us to live can only be described as a gift. It is up on the fifth floor of a lovely building and has sky lights galore. There's a clean, well-maintained, and nice size elevator that whisks us to our lofty perch. When we're ensconced inside we take off our shoes and put on our slippers (that's European for welcome) then make our way upstairs. That's where our living space opens out through wide glass doors. The balcony runs across in front of our bedroom and we've already enjoyed a late night dinner out there by candle light.
I want to be sure to mention that there is a guest suite on the first floor where we enter. It's got a nice size bedroom with two skylights, a bath room, and a toilet room (that's European for proper facilities). There's also a nice size guest room on the second floor that has sky lights that shares our master bath. We have two single beds already and as the Lord provides the furniture we'll excitedly welcome the people He sends to us. We can hardly wait.
As for us, we recently replaced the picnic table with a nice dining room set. The six chairs are all sturdy and the table has a leaf for when our guests arrive. We've got two comfy chairs and a low table for the living area so far, a desk for Curt's little, no window office space, a sideboard, and a book case with a fold out desk top for me. It's a slow process this decorating thing, but the Lord is gracious and we know His timing is perfect.
It's been a treat to find our way around public transit; trams, buses, metro. We're even learning to time our departure from the flat (that's European for 'apartment') so that we arrive at the stop without too much time to wait. It sure does beat having a car/cars; parking, gas, etc. We applied for Open Cards which give discounts for transit tickets so the cost is relatively low, especially for pensioners (that's European for 'old folks'). So the pass in my pocket let's me ride anywhere in the city. If I get stopped by an inspector, I just need to hand him/her my card to be swiped in a hand-held machine to prove I've paid for the privilege.
There's a grocery store only one tram stop away that's a good size and has pretty much what we need. Billa (that's European for something like Stop 'n Shop or Kroger) is the chain we've chosen because we like what they carry and the prices are reasonable. Okay . . . and it's also pretty easy to shop there with hardly any Czech language. (little confession there)
God has led us to a church we think we'll settle in and He's opening doors for relationships. We find ourselves drawn almost inexorably to the internationals around us. A Swedish family welcomed us into their home with warm hospitality. A British lady took us to the used furniture barn outside the city. A Bulgarian-married-to-a-Czech mother of three will be coming by this week for tea. We continue in our joy of witnessing the unity and diversity of the Godhead in the brothers and sisters we meet.
There's so much good stuff going on with this whole, exciting move that it was a bit of a surprise to find myself struggling a bit. It's hard to explain what was going on, but I felt a little off-balance somehow. It took me a couple of days to recognize that I was more than just physically tired. Then it took some time to identify the source of the unsettled-ness - for that's just what it was.
Okay, so I'm slow, but it finally dawned on me that moving is listed as one of life's major stressors. I stopped to consider how a change from rural Maine to a European capitol city might appear on that scale, even for someone who loves Europe and is pretty familiar with it. I decided it was probably at the top of the stressor scale. My first step following that conclusion was to give myself permission to be a little 'off my game' during what was actually an adjustment period. Phew, that was a relief!
Then I started to consider some of the changes in my life - delightful, welcome, wonderful changes. I'm grateful for our flat and the ease and speed at which we've been able to acquire it. The practical aspects take a bit of getting used to though. The rent must be paid monthly by bank transfer. The electric and gas bills must be paid quarterly the same way or, as we've chosen, by going to the proper window at our neighborhood Posta. The 'meters' are read only once a year when the accounts are balanced and we receive an additional bill or a credit. There are no checks in Czech.
All of those financial inner workings has required, so far, three trips to the bank we chose. It has a wonderful expat department and all we have to do is email to schedule an appointment with our personal representative. Vladimir is personable as well as professional, but the paperwork we've already generated is more than one fills in for a mortgage. It's really quite intriguing.
Of course the flat also generates day-to-day adjustments. I'm blessed to have a washing machine on the same floor as our living space. It does wash only about a third to a half of what the basic American washer would hold, but that just means I need to watch the hamper more closely. Well, there's no dryer so I guess that's another adjustment. I need to keep in mind that things have to dry on the drying rack so I can't be sure to have dry sheets in time to remake the bed the same night - without extra attention to place them near a radiator, that is. Hey, I'm delighted to have sheets so that's an easy 'exchange', right?
We're very pleased to have a table to eat at, desk space to work at, and two chairs to sit in and relax. The energy and effort to finish the furnishing process doesn't need to take up too much of my life. Well, except that we can't really invite people over when there's no place to sit. We can't really welcome guests until they've got a place to sleep. Yes, but that can only happen as God intervenes so I have to put down the topic more often than not.
The public transit is more than a convenient way to get around. We're learning 'transit Czech' as we practice the words we hear announcing each stop along the way. We're also getting to know the culture as we observe the passengers as well as the people and shops and activities outside the windows. I am especially pleased that there's a fairly level walk that's about a mile to the main tram/bus/metro hub nearby. It gives me/us some exercise each time we venture out. It's just that it's not so much fun on the days when my leg is acting up; more adjustment.
I am really glad our Billa is so close. We'll be going there today. We'll take our shopping cart with two wheels and a handle on the tram with us. We've got a pretty good system going. After we make our selections Curt shepherds them onto the counter and pays while I stand at the end and madly pack the items into our shopping cart. If I don't finish in time we have to throw the stuff into the regular grocery cart and move to the small stainless steel counters provided to finish the job. Then we have to haul what we purchased onto the tram and back home. Now you know why Europeans tend to shop more often than once a week - and so do we.
Yes, there are adjustments galore going on. The Lord's graciousness to show me the reason for the unbalanced feeling and its understandable nature has been a huge blessing. It's caused me to reinforce my commitment to begin each day with quiet time in the Word before His throne of mercy. My heart pours forth anew with thankfulness for the peace and power the Father provides without demanding some undefined, amorphous repayment. I am honored to offer Him all the love and faith, confidence and joy I can muster by the Spirit's comfort and counsel.
Oh, I didn't tell you about the Hussite church that's right down in our courtyard. It's a very old building but its facade is brand new and modern. It actually looks out on the little park with fountains and bronze horse statues at the end of the block. When we were weaving our lights into the balcony railing the other day we heard the organ playing Christmas hymns. I guess I'll have to save that for another time. I need to get ready to go to Billa.
May God also meet you right where you are - in the world or in your heart. He is the One who sustains.
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Lofts and Decks
A loft is a room or space directly under the roof of a house or other building, which may be used for accommodations or storage. That's the definition provided by the software dictionary on my computer. It seems an appropriate word to use in the title of this new blog.
You see, my former blog was titled Views from the Deck and was written from the house God gave us on a lakefront in Maine. My Honey and I enjoyed the deck there from early spring into late fall. It was as if we received a gift of an extra living space for eight months each year. The views we took in from that lovely deck were always inspiring, bringing lots to contemplate . . . sort of like catching glimpses of the hand of God. Surely you know what I mean.
There are the sunny, halcyon days when the surface of Loon Pond is like a mirror; reflecting the sky and the landscape as a testimony to the beauty and perfection of God. Stormy weather sweeps across the lake like a conquering army; expressing the power and purpose of God. The sunsets may be the most overwhelming; exploding with the majesty and glory of God's creation at the close of a day. Yes, there's always much to ponder from the Loon Pond deck.
However, in the fall of 2011 (just barely a month ago) that beautiful, perfect, powerful, purposeful, majestic and glorious God called us to leave our American deck and move to Europe. We arrived in Prague, the capitol of the Czech Republic, barely a week ago. Our days are unfolding and we're making our way according to His plan. We're applying for visas and doing our best to establish a home that will reflect and honor the God we love and serve.
One of the ways Jehovah-jireh has blessed us is with a space of our own. It is indeed directly under the roof of a building and it will be accommodations for us as well as others He may bring to our door. Yes, it's a loft. When we move in we'll be on the fifth floor and have a lovely view of the courtyard. A very special aspect of this provision is that our windows will face west. Our loving Father has moved us thousands of miles and chosen to continue to provide us with spectacular sunsets - ongoing reminders of His amazing and awesome grace. Hallelujah!
There's no doubt that our days will be filled with adventures rich in challenges and accomplishments. I'll chronicle the mundane as well as the momentous events that unfold in my life and the world around me. I'll do my best to run the race marked out for me with perseverance and keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-3
You see, my former blog was titled Views from the Deck and was written from the house God gave us on a lakefront in Maine. My Honey and I enjoyed the deck there from early spring into late fall. It was as if we received a gift of an extra living space for eight months each year. The views we took in from that lovely deck were always inspiring, bringing lots to contemplate . . . sort of like catching glimpses of the hand of God. Surely you know what I mean.
There are the sunny, halcyon days when the surface of Loon Pond is like a mirror; reflecting the sky and the landscape as a testimony to the beauty and perfection of God. Stormy weather sweeps across the lake like a conquering army; expressing the power and purpose of God. The sunsets may be the most overwhelming; exploding with the majesty and glory of God's creation at the close of a day. Yes, there's always much to ponder from the Loon Pond deck.
However, in the fall of 2011 (just barely a month ago) that beautiful, perfect, powerful, purposeful, majestic and glorious God called us to leave our American deck and move to Europe. We arrived in Prague, the capitol of the Czech Republic, barely a week ago. Our days are unfolding and we're making our way according to His plan. We're applying for visas and doing our best to establish a home that will reflect and honor the God we love and serve.
One of the ways Jehovah-jireh has blessed us is with a space of our own. It is indeed directly under the roof of a building and it will be accommodations for us as well as others He may bring to our door. Yes, it's a loft. When we move in we'll be on the fifth floor and have a lovely view of the courtyard. A very special aspect of this provision is that our windows will face west. Our loving Father has moved us thousands of miles and chosen to continue to provide us with spectacular sunsets - ongoing reminders of His amazing and awesome grace. Hallelujah!
There's no doubt that our days will be filled with adventures rich in challenges and accomplishments. I'll chronicle the mundane as well as the momentous events that unfold in my life and the world around me. I'll do my best to run the race marked out for me with perseverance and keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-3
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