These are the words I hear so very often whenever I meet new people. Now, to be fair, I usually have to tell my whole life story whenever the question 'Where's home for you then?' comes up, much to people's dismay. You thought you were going to get a 30 second answer, but I end up giving you a good 5 minute answer. It's a lot when you're not expecting it! It also becomes something I tend to dread. Having people ask you whether you feel lost and "left behind" all the time isn't exactly comforting, and while I know they mean well, it's so frustrating, because most of the time a simple 'no' does not suffice!
I feel I should start by clarifying that I do have a home, and my parents in no way left me behind. I don't feel lost, but yes sometimes it is really hard.
So often, we think of 'mission' as being an individual thing. Something between ourselves and God. That's true, but I think we so often forget that it is not our mission, it's God's, and He involves all His people in it. I very clearly remember receiving a letter from my mother when I was probably about 12, and she was away. I don't remember the whole entirety of the letter, nor the exact words, but I do remember her saying something about not being able to do what they did without me and my brothers allowing it. At the time I think I kind of understood but never really thought too much about it. Recently, it's come up a lot more and so I've had to think about it.
I know that if I needed them to, my parents would fly home tomorrow to be with me. Not because they don't want to do the jobs they are called to, but because they're my mum and dad, and that's what parents do. They take care of their children.
But, I don't believe that God's call on my parents lives was just a call on their lives, it was a call on mine too, and my brothers, and the rest of our family. It was a call on my life to sacrifice the good for the greatest. Not because He couldn't accomplish what He wanted to if it weren't for me, but because this is what He wills.
Today was Easter Sunday, and I didn't get to spend it with my whole family. There are many things that we don't all get to be together for, and there are the simple things we miss out on too. But, I believe that God's plan and purpose and calling is so much bigger than the things we miss out on, and so much bigger than the hard times.
The disciples followed Jesus wherever He went, and they didn't have Skype!
And as I said before, parents take care of their children. And we have a Father in heaven who takes the best care of us! He is the One who makes sure we are not lost and not left behind.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. - Romans 8:28-30
No MK post would be complete with your typical missionary family photograph. Enjoy!
