Wednesday, September 17, 2008

cracking the code

Our friend and former Pastor, Les Herron, once talked about how all believers in Christ are missionaries. We are missionaries cleverly disguised as ___________ (nurse, teacher, stay home mom, soldier, etc.). Where we live and the people we are surrounded by are considered our mission field. We are to here to learn the culture and show God's love to the people. It isn't necessarily about fundraising, trip planning, skit performing heading-out-to-the-mission-field. It's really more about living your daily life, missionally.

My problem, or so I think, is that I live in suburbia. Suburbanites are a tough nut to crack. There's an unwritten, assumed code. Most people are comfortable with their lives. There really is so much comfort here in suburbia. There is an attitude of independence here also. We would all agree that we got here (in suburbia) by pulling up our bootstraps and working for it.

Suburbia looks so nice and clean and we can hide away in our nice houses and polished cars and busy ourselves with shopping, sports, entertainment and even work. We got here by ourselves (so we think), so we can take care of anything by ourselves. We know where to go and how to get there if we need something.If we get sick, we head to the Dr. If we're out of money, we ask for a raise or take a second job. If there isn't enough money for something right now, we can charge it on our credit card. Tired? Take a vacation. Bored? Go shopping, go to the movies, go hiking or whatever.

So, with all of this in mind, how do we "break in" to people's lives and hearts. How do we live with a missional purpose? How do we stand out as a peculiar people, as the Bible calls us to do? What does following Jesus and His ways look like in modern day suburbia? How can I not get sucked in to this suburban life; being "in" the world but not "of " the world?

I would think a good starting point is allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. I know, we don't have to be vulnerable. The beauty is, we get to choose to. What I mean by being vulnerable is allowing others to see who I truly am. To have a window view into my life. No, I don't have it all together. Yes, I'm still working through pain. I'm working through emotional issues regarding relationships. I'm nowhere near the financial goals I have set. Things keep breaking, including hearts and lives of people I know. These people I know...live in suburbia.

I would think, that wherever you are cleverly disguised as a missionary, there are people there who need a friend. A friend willing to love them enough to be vulnerable, so that they may feel safe and quite possibly loved and accepted. Because, you know what? Chances are they want to be found out and loved for who they really are. Are you willing to scale some walls and go in after some people? Jesus is. He's looking for volunteers to go with Him.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

September Mornings

45 degrees is the low at night. We still sleep with the windows open. We freeze our patooties off. We like it. I'm digging out my flannels. The air in the morning smells of burning fireplaces or woodstoves from surrounding homes. That, mixed with the smell of pine and cedar trees. Ahhhh...

I have spent 37 years in Texas and this is typically a hot month (literally) for hurricanes. So the air gets really still, really humid and really hot and sticky. Sometimes, September is worse than July and August combined. So, my body is once again adjusting to the climate up here. I know I write alot about the weather and acclimating to the environment; but it really is one of the more significant physical changes with living somewhere that is in a different region all together.

I am missing my friends and family back in Texas. Really. I am having a difficult time this week. We've made friends up here, but there is just something terrific about having friends who know where you've been and see your faults and still love you. The getting-to-know-you part is over and you and they are fitted nicely together like pieces sewn into a quilt. It's comfortable. It's easy. It's cozy. You feel and know you are equally yoked and can therefore share each other's burdens with joy and understanding. I miss that. I miss camaraderie. I miss spontaneous get-togethers. I miss having tea or dinner with the girls. I miss girl road trips to small towns. I miss double dating with other couples. I miss my favorite restaurants (Ricos, Los Cucos, Pappadeaux). I shouldn't dwell on this. It makes it worse. If you are reading this, please pray for us.

The boys are still wanting to make a neighborhood friend. They, too are missing friends we left back in Texas. We ALL had such deep and meaningful friendships in Houston. *sigh*

Enough of this belly-aching'! I shall go occupy myself with a good book. :)