I am sitting here smiling. Gazing at the cheery, backyard-cut flowers brought by a friend who came to dinner last night. They are brightened by the cool morning sunlight. They speak of community to me. Of spending time connecting, of being heard and feeling loved. Of knowing we don't walk alone. They remind me of food and friends; what a rich and rewarding combination, another of God's overflowing blessings.
Much of our time on home assignment in the States is spent connecting. It takes time and intentionality; effort and energy. It takes others responding and reciprocating. We have been gone 4 years and things have changed. We have changed. We wrestle to find our place here...yet again, even if just for a while.
We've been home a couple of months. Things finally feel more familiar and we aren't as tired or overwhelmed. It is easier to start and continue conversations. Faces and names are known. Friends have graciously carved out room for us in their busy, already-full lives. They have asked questions and accepted. They have included us and brought us back in.
This is our "sweet spot" on home assignment. The middle of our time home. Really it is the calm, after and before the storm. We have just started that settled stage of the transition process; we have come full circle, before we circle back again.
And it all leaves me feeling dizzy.
But this morning I am not off balance and have found my footing. Life and ministry has settled into routine. So this morning I will linger here a little loner. I will soak in the vibrant beauty of these flowers. They are a gift. Just as these times of stability and friendship. For I know that these flowers, along with this short season, will soon fade and disappear all too soon.
