Olden: of or relating to former times
Georgia, the country, was a hidden marvel hiding away in a lesser traveled region of the world. Technically a part of Asia, the country rests between Eastern Europe and West Asia. It sits atop the Middle East and rests below Russia. It’s just there, right in the middle of many diverse, culturally different regions of the world—a bridge between cultures.
The country itself carries an interesting impression of what used to be and what is to come. Every part of what you see ushers you backward toward a time that has already passed. Some elements throw you only a few years back, others to the most ancient of days. The modern architecture consists of two opposing styles: clean-efficient vs. modern-artistic, but even this short time is a memory of the battle between a president and a billionaire. The two men’s architectural competition occurred in recent years yet still leaves modern buildings unfinished and sitting as skeletons—only a frame with no function or interior. Already an age passed over.
Rusted Gas pipelines hover over the streets weaving their way between apartments and homes. The metal “trees” throw you back into the era of Soviet reign. Statues also mark the history and background of the Soviet era. Russian rulers and politicians grace stone carved buildings standing strong and resolute. A testament to industrial expansion.
The culture and people take you even farther back in lifestyle and faith traditions. Churches and Monasteries rise stalwart from the surrounding architecture. Saints and icons watch from street corners and home windows even as they watch over the families living there. This month, conversations with my team, the people, and seeing the church buildings (and even mosques in other countries) have given me a new appreciation for the beauty of both the tradition and the pioneering of faith. New paths are paved following the voice of the Holy Spirit, new lands taste the goodness of the Kingdom of Heaven. And, old ways are practiced and followed, wisdom from days long passed guide and encourage our own walk through this ancient earth. Both, in proper form and fullness, reflect God’s beauty and faithfulness.
The Georgian language even has been preserved through years of war and occupation and still stands as one of the ancient languages of the world. The wine making dates as arguably the oldest methods and practices of wine making known to mankind. The earth breathes the dust of the ages. The people hold closely their ancestral roots. This is the land of Noah. These countries tucked away between cultures the land from which the whole world most likely traces our heritage.
Georgia created the perfect setting for reflection and a season to look back upon former times. Fittingly, God took me through a winter season and a season of trial. A fitting cap to the work He has done in the last six months. The word for the month:
Remember
I’ve learned even while Faith moves forward, it actively looks back upon and remembers the promises of the Lord. Recall and Profess His promises. Declare His faithfulness. See how He has proven Faithful. Surrounded by mountains and snow, I am reminded of the home I left six months ago. I see the work God has done in my heart and the transformation He has produced in my life. Even in such a short time, He has renewed much of the person I am. He restores my dreams and my heart. He strengthens His will and Spirit in me. Life is a process and looking back I see. He speaks His words again and again. Over and over He has proven true. When my heart breaks under the weight of the world, when trials cause my heart to feint, I run to Him my Maker, my Savior, and rest in His presence forever more.
Truly He is Faithful.
When times seem cold and unfruitful, remembering stirs the fires of the heart once more. Looking back and resting in His presence reminds us He alone sustains and holds us through the night. Remembering produces renewed Faith.
We enjoyed the traditions of the people. Made toasts with wine from methods invented thousands of years ago. Georgia, in nature and in metaphor, cast light upon the things of old. I am reminded of what was. I’m encouraged to let my doubt go. I see more clearly God wants me to step into His promises and not withhold my heart from walking in His truth. Do not doubt, but let it be. Say amen to the life and blessings He gives. Embrace the mud and challenge of life. Love hurts, but Life is good. My heart is restored and refreshed and turned once more to the Hope of what Waits.
The story of the olden proves God’s faithfulness and shines brightly upon the promises yet to come.
With Faith, Hope, and Love
Nathan
