Paul Tournier says - Man needs a place. To exist is to occupy a particular living-space to which one has a right.
In this time I am living in - we are told to stay ‘safe at home.’ At this time we are encouraged to not leave but remain. The Lord told Abram to leave. Their is comfort in remaining where you are - I think moreso as I age. Granted I think that once retirement hits - it might propel me to leave and go some place different and yet leaving friends and family would be difficult. Perhaps instead the idea is to leave temporarily on vacation or even live some place else for a season. But always with the thought of returning.
In moving Swindoll remarks on some challenges.
- Rootlessness: when a plant separates from its soil it misses its nourishment and often has a hard time continuing. Familiar support systems are absent.
- Loneliness: distance separates friends. It takes time to cultivate new friendships. We all knew one day we would leave college and graduate and yet most of those friendships are never as close as they once were. New relationships must be watered.
- Insecurity: a new environment means learning new ways of getting around. Only the rare breed finds this exhilarating.
- Uncertainty: what will things now be like?
Key: Maintain vital contact with the Master Gardener. Regular contact with God will foster our courage and hedge us against the perils of moving.
I can’t help but think of my dad right now and the angst he is experiencing after the loss of my mom. Granted there is much that he has kept that is familiar: family, his surroundings - yet all are different now.
Abram was confident in God’s strength
The good news about Abram is he was leaving with a promise - that blessing would continue by him, land will be divine.
Altars built became visual reminders of God’s presence and the path promised. Our churches today are our altars: a designated place to worship God.
I learned from my mom about having specific places to meet alone with God. Right now I’m on the porch - away from people - in a quiet place. It is morning while things are still awakening. This is my favorite time as the distractions haven’t yet started.
I try to be regular in this time. But it is always hard. I go to bed at different times and wake up at different times. Right now during this pandemic I haven’t had to make food for Pamela so this time is more mine.
Early on in my faith I was encouraged to have tbese quiet times. I spend time writing down my thoughts. I also keep a journal but this is often separate from this time or I try to keep it separate. Each day I seek to start afresh and start with Him. I like to study and I admit I have a hard time doing other things like praying - singing. I’m okay with the TV on at other times of the day but hate it on now.
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