Some new things take our breath away -- like the gorgeous view from my apartment!
But other times, new things can be frustrating and confusing -- getting from one unfamiliar place to another seems more complicated than it actually is, and understanding the "German way" of doing things takes time and energy. But I am reminded that these things are part of the journey. Instead of asking WHY, I should focus on HOW to make the adjustments.
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea out of slavery and into freedom, Moses celebrated God's faithfulness in song (Exodus 15). Moses acknowledges the Lord's protection through the course of their journey and rests in God's promise to continue leading and guiding them! I rejoice with Moses in God's loving concern for His people: "In Your unfailing love, You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength, You will guide them to Your holy dwelling" (Ex 15:13).
I think that we sometimes see new or "different" things as nuisances. God is not calling us to complaint, doubt, or discouragement. Rather, let's embrace each aspect of the adventure with JOY in the JOURNEY! (Thank You, God, for a blog name that reminds me of the attitude You want me to have!)
When I was in 9th grade, my family hosted a German exchange student named Petra. Petra and I have reconnected via Facebook (with intentions of visiting one another sometime this fall, as she is less than an hour from me!)... and Petra tells me that the word for adventure is "Abenteuer"... so now we know! :)
ReplyDeleteYour blog post is SO VERY appropriate and the name of your blog is SO VERY accurate! May our great God continue to show you in His Word and by the encouragement of others around you as well as by those on your Home Team that there is Joy in THIS Journey! Thanks for your reminder and challenge to all of us to find Joy in Our Journeys as well. I love you!
ReplyDeleteMom XO
Heiterkeit in der Reise...that's the German version of your blog title. Dad here (on Mom's name due to challenges logging on)--just wanted you to be able to state your title auf Deutsch in case it comes up. Hope you always find reason to rejoice as der Reise continues...
ReplyDeletemmmm...HJ, I just now caught up on reading your blog and read this today. So appropriate after a long stretching day working with people. I am not a social person and it is tempting to get frustrated with all these new situations.thanks so much for writing about not complaining, about trusting in God's strength. I love the verse from Exodus...I'll probably write that one down and put it up on my desk. :) Glad to hear of God's faithfulness with you. love you lots!
ReplyDeleteErica