Look up the Lake District, it's a beautiful place! It always makes me laugh seeing signs on the motorway that say: "the Lakes," almost like having a sign pointing toward the forest that says "the trees."
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| Mike and I hiking at Aira Force Falls, Lake Ullswater |
Another "for the record I will not miss" about England would be people asking me if ALL Americans are fat, how many famous people I know or see on a daily basis, and if I know so-and-so from such and such state (kind of a LARGE country people...)
There are countless breathtaking walks you could take in the Lake District! Back in the US of A, I will immediately ache for a good walk in general. A walk to the shops, or to a friend's house, or to church! I think I'll also miss a "proper cup of tea," even though I don't like the brew! I know I will miss words like "natter," "ta," "straightener," "dead" and "proper" used as intensifying adjectives, and my all time favorite: "faff." or "to faff about." It is just a delightfully pleasing word to roll off the tongue (or teeth. Luis Suarez must love it too...) Just say it out loud right now: "FAFF." Ah, lovely.
As we're turning the page to a new chapter in our lives in no time at all, and as I look back on the previous chapter, I am very surprised by how quickly I've settled here in Liverpool over the last year or so. I give full credit to our church, our current home, and our friends and family. I can honestly say that I have been blessed by some amazing men and women in my life who have helped me to grow, challenge myself, be honest about what I think or am feeling, and learn from them and their way of "doing life." With the prospect of moving back to America the beautiful, I am actually feeling homesick for England already. I never thought I'd feel this way. I have been on such a journey as I think about how I first felt living in England and compare it to how I feel now. I have been brought low in my own way and then built back up again. God has been so faithful to continue to rid me of all too familiar idols that have been making themselves quite at home in my heart. Idols like self-sufficiency, fear of man (and woman!) and COMFORT. Ugh! But I nearly always let them move back in when they ask (or when I ask...)
I'm so thankful that Mike and I have had to move each year in our married life together because it's helped me to be less clingy to things and stuff, or get too comfortable in a certain routine in life. It has also helped me to keep my hope firmly built on Jesus and knowing Him forever, rather than on buying a new this, or taking a trip to there etc. (I could happily spend my entire paycheck travelling!) But...I know that I will have to continually fight this battle.
I have also come to the conclusion that we will never be ultimately happy in our circumstances. Maybe we will for a short while, until something better comes along and taunts us with its "you must pursue me to be happy" package full of lies. Mike and I watched The Pursuit of Happyness together recently and it made me think two things. Firstly, even though it's a beautiful story about a man's struggle for survival, actually achieving survival (or happiness) will not actually endure or last. Secondly, we do not appreciate what we already have. Will Smith's character Chris seems to, though he has only his son, a basketball, and a few meager belongings. Our true joy must come from knowing Jesus and his love for us. Knowing God's love as our father, no matter what we are called to endure or go through has to be the source of our happiness. Otherwise we will never be satisfied.
This comes up a lot as I think about moving to Virginia from Liverpool. Minimising our stuff and deciding what is worth keeping, saying goodbye to a job I love and in which I feel valued in exchange for the unknown, and actually getting what I've always asked God for since moving to Liverpool; a ticket back to the states! Well, it's quite funny how I'm now saying to God "Why not a few months later?" or "Why do we have to go when things are actually good and comfortable?" I can almost here God saying "Nuff said," as if he says things like that. (I like to think he might).
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| Chris and his son spending the night in a bathroom in a subway station |
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. (Job 1:20-22)
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:10-13)
