Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Joy



Before we left the United States, my friend Holly told me that her prayer for me was "that I would walk the streets of Australia with such joy in my heart." We've been here 2 weeks today and 2 weeks ago I was wondering if that prayer would ever be reality. I was torn up inside about leaving home. Broken-hearted to the point of uncontrollable sobbing. Fetal position crying. In the middle of the night weeping. I'm not embarrassed about it. If you are someone near to me, this is how much I love you. The depth of sorrow and the missing of dear ones ached in my bones.

Brooks was so patient with me. A kind hearted gentleman. He kept saying "we can do this, it will be alright." I could have demanded to be sent home on the next flight out of here. It crossed my mind. But that wouldn't have been love. It wouldn't have been me. It would have been selfish. I am comforted knowing that "He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it."

Cutting noodles in the kitchen on Christmas Eve my grandmother said "He who called you to do this will see you through." Her encouragement and wisdom plays over and over in my head.

Two weeks have passed and a lot has been accomplished. Setting up shop. I have cleaned this house top to bottom and am feeling more settled. We are adapting well and enjoying the people around us from all over the world. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we embrace it.

I walked to the Post this afternoon to drop a letter. I ran there as fast as I could with dark clouds, thunder and lightning overhead. I dropped the letter and turned around to walk home. As I was walking the sidewalk talking to God and noticing the pattern of bricks, from deep within, joy came rising up and spilling over as the rain began to fall.

I walked the streets of Australia today with such joy in my heart.

3 comments:

  1. Oh, hooray, hooray! I celebrate with you!!!!!!! God is so good.

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  2. hello my dear sweet holly pagereader, thank you for praying...

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  3. I was reading our former pastor's blog (Tim Keel) today; he and his family are now in New Zealand. He shared this celtic prayer and it made me think of the musings of my friend, Kris. It is found in the book "Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayers and Readings From the Northumbria Community." ~xoxo~

    This day is a new day
    that has never been before.
    This year is a new year,
    the opening door.

    (Open the door of your home)

    Enter, Lord Christ -
    we have joy in Your coming.
    You have given us life,
    and we welcome Your coming.

    I turn now to face You,
    I lift up my eyes.
    Be blessing my face, Lord;
    be blessing my eyes.
    May all my eye looks on
    be blessed and be bright,
    my neighbours, my loved ones
    be blessed in Your sight.

    You have given us life
    and we welcome Your coming.
    Be with us, Lord,
    we have joy, we have joy.
    This year is a new year,
    the opening door.
    Be with us, Lord,
    we have joy, we have joy.

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