"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." 1 Corinthians 13:12

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Decks and Lofts

The software dictionary on my computer says a deck is a platform like structure, typically made of lumber and unroofed, attached to a house or other building. That's a good description of the space on the west side of our house on Loon Pond. The deck affords us wonderful views of the open sky in all weathers and seasons, most especially glorious sunsets that display the handiwork of God.

In spring we like to set up our screen room and turn the deck into an additional living space, an extension of the house. Then it becomes our favorite destination for working, relaxing, or welcoming family and friends. Besides the superb view of beautiful Maine scenery, the deck is an excellent location from which to observe our grandchildren as they revel in the freedom and joy of the beach - that is, if we're not down there with them.

God has been providing a lot of warm and wonderful memories around our Loon Pond deck. We've opened His Word there as a couple and with others. I've studied the Scriptures with ladies from our church body on those sturdy stretches of lumber. I've also pondered the Savior's redeeming work in my life and sought the Spirit's counsel and guidance there. Many of the posts on this blog were woven together in one way or another around this platform.

As lovely and meaningful as the deck has been for me, for us, the time has come to bid it farewell. God has made it plain that His plan for us includes a move to Europe. The idea was a surprise to us, having settled quite well back into life in New England. We retreated to the Scriptures for direction and were led to Isaiah 6:6-8. We sought counsel from trusted brothers and sisters under the precept of Proverbs 15:22. We were convinced by the truths of Romans 8:28-30, especially as it applies to God's watch care over our children and grandchildren.

Yes, it's an exciting step to undertake. We've lived cross-culturally in the past and found the experience invigorating. It's also a blessing to think that God can use us in such a vibrant way. Yet, it's hard to pull up roots. Those that have been sunk with extensions far back into both of our lives are deep and delicate. Nevertheless, when God calls we know that obedience is the only answer for those that love Him. We're in the middle of this transition as I write this post.

We were given a bit more than a month to make preparations, 10 September to 17 October with a previously-planned 10 day vacation in the middle. It was a whirlwind of activity and emotions. We cherish the support we've received from old and new friends alike that has carried us on our way. We understand the consternation of a few and trust they'll take their concerns to the One in charge of our days. We pray for everyone we leave behind to be as thrilled, delighted, and amazed at the hand of God in their own lives as we are in ours.

We've been in Prague, the capitol of the Czech Republic, for about a week. The Lord chose this city for us and we've been making our way day by day. He's provided a temporary space for us to lay our heads in the home of some new friends. He brought us a visa agent who's hard at work moving our paperwork through the Czech process. We've got month-long passes for the public transportation system. We've been in and out of the city every day without getting lost. We were blessed to worship our Risen Savior with a faithful body of believers. It's a good start.

Don't get the wrong idea. We've had our stretching points. There was the toast that tasted a little funny and caused us to refer to the Czech dictionary. We learned that packets of pork lard resemble butter packets quite a bit. We have to carry maps with us at all times to help us find our way. It's getting a little tiresome to feel illiterate when interacting with people. All in all though it does seem that the Lord has laid out our path in line with Proverbs 3:5,6.

Obviously we will be living in a very different, urban setting. We will be gaining a new perspective on every day life and wonder what the view will be like. Well, the truth is, we have a hint about that. The Lord has opened the way for us to rent a lovely fifth floor apartment. It's situated in a quiet area with a small park nearby with fountains, and a short walk to a central point for travel by metro, tram, and bus. We've already been scouting out the neighborhood and discovered many benefits, such as a mini-market, post office, and various shops.

Since our vantage point is changing, it seems like a good time to revise my blog. I've been wanting to give it a fresh look for a while now and I see this as is a blessed opportunity. The goal will be the same; sharing the glimpses I catch of God's work in my life and in the world around me. The posts will probably be very similar; my thoughts as Adonai refines me according to His wisdom. The window dressing will just be a little bit different though; a European city courtyard rather than a rural Maine lake.
I pray that you'll join me at my new blog. It's called Views from the Loft. Maybe you should pop over there right now and find out how a software dictionary defines the word loft.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Frames and Pixels

It's a bright sunny kind of day. I had a good night's rest and my morning has gone well. We enjoyed time together on the deck, sharing breakfast and time in God's Word. I've got my To Do List in hand and a hymn on my lips.

It's a chilly gray kind of day. I tossed and turned most of the night and got up late. We had to shorten our time over breakfast because we're both facing deadlines. I have an idea what I need to do, but the pressure makes focusing difficult.

These two types of days appear in some form our other in my life on a regular basis. I do my best by the Holy Spirit's infusing power and counsel to release myself to the Father's will. Then again, there's so much to do and I'm sure He wants me to be productive and efficient ... right?

I'm discovering these days that it's a lot easier to follow my natural Martha inclinations when facing my "routine" days. You know, the kinds I've outlined above. I can figure out how to get the most errands done with the least amount of time and effort. I'm good at keeping short- and long-term goals sorted out and moving forward to meet them. I'm able at pay attention to details while keeping the larger picture in focus. That's why it took me so long to get the message that God wanted me to step back from that role.

About a year ago my Father began to speak to me about some responsibilities He wanted me to release. They'd become pretty much a part of my Martha persona so, to be honest, it took some time for me to respond. In the end I chose to suspend my human understanding and follow where He led. It took months for me to realize that He was introducing me to Mary.

Now I have to tell you that I've only had a nodding acquaintance with Mary in my xx years of life. She and I have met over broken bones and/or debilitating illnesses - not the kind of scenarios one wants to repeat. Nevertheless, my Savior and Lord was directing me to not only get to know her but to nourish her character in my life.

It was slow going at first. A combination of personal habits, serious short-sightedness, and outside pressures threatened our infant relationship. What would happen if Martha slowed down? How would I exist if Mary took the lead? Would the world as I know it continue to turn?

Please don't take the dilemma nor those questions lightly. For a chronic (one might almost say compulsive, if they dared use that word around me) list maker and keeper, the paradigm shift was intense - almost impossible, except for Mark 10:27. The joy and freedom of resting at the Master's feet became part of my experience. Hallelujah!

Up 'til then it had been fairly comfortable to maintain my life within the confines of my former mindset. I understood the framework around me and my abilities to maneuver within it. Some days the number of pixels might be a bit low making the way ahead a bit unclear. But Martha was always at the ready to adjust, make a way, fix the picture.

The new phase of growth and development God ordained for me has been wonderful. Mary and I are becoming quite close. She's been showing me that from time to time it's helpful to wait on the LORD as He dusts off, clarifies the frame He's set for our lives. It was really quite recently that I caught a glimpse of His all-encompassing and all-sufficient glory and grace.

You see, we (my Honey and me) are not just facing a mix of sunny and gray days. We're looking at a host of frame-revising days with barely any pixel count at all. We're sexagenarians - and if you know what that means, you're probably peers. :-) God in His infinite wisdom and tender mercies has decided to move us across the ocean. With barely a month's leeway we will be relocating to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.

It's not really an out-of-the-blue relocation. We've been serving throughout Europe for more than 25 years. Our Master has just decided to lead us to a new base of operations. It's all the related elements that are making our heads spin. I seem to have gone from routine, Martha friendly days to extraordinary, Mary needed ones.

Suddenly my life is filled with circumstances I have no chance of smoothing out and questions I simply cannot answer. What do I take? What do I leave? Where will we live? How will communicate? What will my days look like? Oh, what about all the visa paperwork? If I release Martha into that maelstrom her rushing to and fro will simply swamp the boat.

So this is the future my Father saw and was lovingly making provision for in my life!

My Martha side would never have been able to handle the massive size and wide diversity of such a challenge. Her circuits would have overloaded and spilled out in ugliness on those around me. Instead Mary has come to the forefront to exert her presence. She knows her Sovereign and trusts His omniscient, omnipotent hand. Her peaceful seat at His feet causes my spirit to rest in His faithfulness. What a Savior!

I pray the Lord will cause me to remember the glimpses of Truth He's uncovering for me. Whether routine or earth-shaking my days are wrapped up in Him. Whether there's any hint at all of what's ahead or not I need to look to Him. May each of us intentionally seek His ways and unapologetically walk in them.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us. Hebrews 12:1