Moving Musings 2014 - I see you...

As we near the time to getting our household goods and vehicle, I have been running a lot of errands, both on the military posts in our area and in the German community. We are gathering the things we need to make for an happy and efficient life. And it seems that everywhere I go, I see someone I know. Now, it's true, I have run into several people that I have known from our previous assignment here, or from somewhere else. But that's not what I'm talking about.

I'm talking about seeing people around me, and for a split second, I see the face, the posture, the profile of some I know back home. They say that everyone has a double, a doppelganger, somewhere in the world. But at second glance, these are not twins for the ones I see in my heart. There is only a slight resemblance, or maybe even none at all. But it does help me think about how much influence the people in my life have on me, and how they are with me, even though we are separated by time and space.

I got this fortune cookie a few weeks before we left Washington, and I found it when I was cleaning out my wallet today. I made me think about how attitude is a big part of dealing with change in a positive way. This is a great reminder that there are new friends just around the corner. Some of them know people you know - some of them have more things in common with you than you could ever imagine.

So through this process, I am not only appreciating the friendships that have come before, but am also in great anticipation of the ones that are to come. And know that whether these friends endure for a lifetime, or we are connected for a short period of time, what we share is valuable and important.

When Jesus speaks to his disciples at their final meal together, John records four chapters of wisdom with the ones he will leave behind about it means to be connected to one another, in friendship and in love.

As the Father loved me, I too have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my father's commandments and remain in his love. I have siad these thing to yu so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete. This is my commandment: love each other as I have loved you. No one has greater love than to give up one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command (John 15:9-14 CEB).

I'm sure that most of us rarely think of friendship as sacrificial in nature. Instead, we see the benefits that friendship affords us, things like laughter and sympathy and holding one another up in times of need. But sometimes friendship requires us to go deeper, to take risks and to be willing to put ourselves and our friendships on the line. Military people get that - military inspired stories show the strength of friendship and how lives are often at stake each and every day. The lessons I have learned through being a part of the military community help make me a better person, a better pastor and a better person of faith.

So when I walk around a corner and get a glimpse of someone who looks like you, know that I am remembering fondly the time we shared, and saying a prayer for your life wherever you are. I hope that you will do the same for me.

Peace, Deb

Moving Musings 2014 - Still waiting for routine...

Some people have asked if moving to overseas is harder or easier the second time. The answer is “Yes.” I know it’s not a yes or no question, but I have found it to be both harder and easier. The easier part comes in knowing how to get around, focusing in on where we wanted to live, having friendships with people already here and some coming in at the same time. The easier part comes in knowing how hard it will be.

The harder part is in knowing that there is fun stuff around the corner, but not yet. Not until the household goods come, until we are no longer a one-car family, have internet at home, making new friends and establishing a routine. I have unpacked our quick shipment things and done some laundry with our new washer and dryer. I have asked why I shipped some things early and not other things. I have a semi-formal dress appropriate for the Air Force Ball in three weeks, but no shoes to wear with it. I have a hot pot for boiling water and a coffee press and tea bags, but not cups for hot beverages (Thrift Shop, here I come).

I took some first steps today in establishing a routine.  I am attending my first Crochet/Knitting Group today and meeting with someone at PWOC on Thursday to see where I might fit in to their ministry. We have attended worship every Sunday, visited with old friends, and looking forward to beginning our life here again. It just doesn’t feel started yet.

The good news is that it this “in-between” time will be good for me, even if it feels unsettled and a little uncomfortable. I have some books to read, a TV and DVR with the last seasons of Gray’s Anatomy, Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife, all unwatched. And my friend Sandra may come today after work and we will have coffee and she will teach me a little more German. And life will still be good, and getting better every day.

The news around us is pretty awful. As we remember the 100-year anniversary of the beginning of World War 1, there are conflicts going on in 42 countries around the world. Unarmed children were killed in multiple cities in the US, and those suffering with depression are ending the pain the only way they know how, even though it brings more pain to those who love and admire them.

The Old Testament reading from last Sunday came from I Kings 19. Elijah was running from the prophets of Baal in fear for his life, when the Lord’s messenger sent him to God’s mountain in the wilderness, Horeb. When asked to stand at the mountain before the Lord, Elijah experienced wind, an earthquake, and fire. But the Lord’s presence was found in sheer silence – or as in some translations, a still, small voice.

It is the same for us. We ask where God is in midst of calamity and tragedy. But sometimes what we really need is an opportunity to stay quiet and still enough to listen for the voice of God that surrounds us every day. And that seems to be the biggest challenge of all.

I'm sure I will find my routine. There will be more than enough things available to keep me busy and involved with people. But I hope that I can remember this feeling of emptiness in a good way - one that helps me keep a place for God - for prayer, scripture, reading and Christian friendship. It is those things that ground me and keep me listening for the things that God wants me to hear.

Now I am off to find some WiFi and post this blog - then drive to pick up my spouse from work... 

that's one routine I'll be happy to dismiss - prayers for a safe and uneventful journey for Violet, the big, blue beast.

Peace, Deb

PS - I found two coffee mugs at the Thrift Shop that match my everyday china pattern - yippee!

Moving in day with our landlords