Something profound.
I was hoping that I would be inspired and have something really profound to say by now. But I really don’t. However this blog is not (I hope) without merit. (Hang in there! I know this is a boring intro!!)
I was never the person who was dying to travel to foreign and exotic places. I mean, I have always wanted to move, to live in different places, but in the US. I mean, there is so much to see here; so many cultures and subcultures, cities and natural wonders (I absolutely love Yellowstone!). Why would you need to leave?
Well I did leave.
As of today I have been a little over a week outside US borders. This is a new enough experience that to me it is profound in and of its self.
What I have experienced: I rode on a plane for 13 hours (I have always wanted to do that), flew into and out of the arctic circle, and crossed over Russia. I have been to Japan (for two hours), and experienced jet-lag (its real and not fun). I have played with kids, rode in a trike, helped out for an XC meet, found McDonalds ((leaping momentarily back into the US)), and experienced tropical showers. I swam with sharks (little ones!!)
What I have seen: When we walk though the neighborhood around where we are living I see roosters in front of most of the houses, sleeping dogs tied up by doors, ornamental plants in pots and orchids bound to walls. I see many homes that also double as store fronts. These and the morning markets are kaleidoscopes of interesting things; baked goods, candy and clothes, ear buds and banana buds, fruits and vegetables I’ve never heard of!
The people: our first day here our host told us that Filipinos are welcomed everywhere in the world because they are so friendly and smiley. From what I have seen of these beautiful people and their adorable children, I can vouch for that. Weather we are riding a bus or walking the streets, people smile and wave and greet us good morning.
In spite of all this wonder and newness around me, I felt kind of meh in the beginning. I worry that I am not that great at interacting with kids, I feel so awkward compared to the kid people and I wondered am I good at interacting with any demographic? (But more on that later*)
Then one day I spent some time re-reading Crazy Love, and was renewed through the reminder of how awesome God is. I mean, with a breath he created more GALIXIES than we can count. Scattered them throughout a universe whose borders we have yet to find. And as for the stars that compose these galaxies- he knows them by name. ……
….Which brings me to something else I recently learned…
Timey-wimey
(remember this when darkness seems strong) In Physics, it has been discovered that reality is way more complicated than the one dimension we live in(all those galaxies are in just one). There are infinite parallel universes and they would, should all collapse in on each other- – but they don’t– because of something…. At this point the physicists, who have pursued their craft far enough to understand the math, are forced to admit that some all powerful mind is literally holding our reality, our time and space together.
Its not The Doctor.
Its The Great Physician
God is not some old guy sitting in the clouds, or even in the stars- but a being above, beyond (and throughout) time and space as we can comprehend it.
And in spite of that incomprehensible vastness,
he cares about what happens on this tiny planet. What happens to these minuscule people. (He doesnt have to) He knows when even a sparrow dies, cares about each individual person, knows even the number of hairs on your head.
The craziest thing is this;
…to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God John 1:12
His Child
I find it difficult to grasp that concept.
Seriously??
His child? But it seems to be one of the themes of this month.
*Back to interacting: It is true, I am no skilled conversationalist or any good at building and maintaining relationships- but maybe the second comes with practice, and the first- well- this is what has been happening:
At the children’s home one girl just decided she liked me and wanted to hang out with me- she is so sweet and I feel totally honored because its none of my own skill that drew her to me. Another time at a Youth Rally- I went in full of trepidation- wanting nothing more than to be invisible- then this group of girls waved at me- and we spent some great time hanging out. Again- it was none of my skill.
I am struggling to learn that God will facilitate a lot of the connection– all I have to do is take a step.
Open my mouth.
Thanks to Ashley Nichole for the photos
