We have returned to land that Janna and I grew up in and thought that we understood. Living in Indonesia for 7 years has opened our eyes to so many new things and areas in our lives that God would like us to grow in. You are always excited to come to Canada and eat some of the foods that you love (even though your stomach does not like them), to drive on a different side of the road, and to see the country side that you grew up with. But the real reason that a person comes "home" is to meet family members and refresh and take a cultural break.
It is absolutely amazing to see family and hang out again. Family is so important to a support structure whether it be in T.key, Indonesia, or Canada. As I get older I continue to realize that family needs to take time, energy, and genuine care. The idea that because we are family we will just get along, is preposterous. I am so thankful I have been born into a family that really puts effort into relationship and spending time together. I sense this same attitude needed in regards to the community of the church. It takes time and genuine effort to get along and be effective as a family. If we are to support each other as families and as a church body we need to show genuine care and selflessness.
We have now been in Canada for two days and I must say that I have experienced some culture stress as I have returned to the country where everything is supposed to be understandable and customer driven. Shopping has been more difficult than expected and of course the jet lag continues to take hold of our kids. So be it Indonesia or Canada the Bible is the place to go. It just once again makes me realize that where ever I go on earth I am still an alien. I just do not belong here, I am here to glorify, to be used, to give up myself for Christ. Our home is heaven and we each have a purpose and a plan that Jesus through the word will reveal to us.
I came across a quote right at the beginning of a book that have just begun that is powerful to me.
He sustains all, but is himself independent of all. He gives to all, but is enriched by none. Such a God cannot be found out by searching. He can be known only as he is revealed to the heart by the Holy Spirit through the Word. AW Pink
Powerful stuff. We are on this earth for others not for ourselves. God does not need us. We need him. We should not be striving to be great Christians, we should be striving to be grateful Christians.
