Places Prepared

This Christmas break I decided to stay in Prague to rest and prepare for the coming months of teaching. International travel is generally stressful, and rest sounded sweet to me.  However, through a series of surprising events I found myself with plans to sit alone in a quiet house for 2 weeks of break. This idea did not sound at all pleasant to me, as I generally like to be around people.

Several families saw my plight and immediately asked me to come into their homes. In 2 weeks of break I’ve been invited to live with three different families. In each of their homes comfortable bedrooms were cleaned & prepared for me—one bed was complete with an electric bed warmer! Delicious meals were offered to me, movie collections were shared with me, & bookshelves were opened to me.  I was asked to make myself “at home” in another’s house. These friends were models of hospitality.

This afternoon I came across John 14:1-3 which reads,

 “My Father’s house has many rooms;

 if that were not so, would I have told you that 

I am going there to prepare a place for you? 

And if I go to prepare a place for you,

  I will come back and take you to be with me 

that you may be where I am.”

I’ve tasted of Christian hospitality over these past two weeks—and it’s been sweet. Yet, I am confident that the place that Christ himself has gone to prepare for me will be so much better than any hospitality than I will ever experience on this earth! (In fact, it will even be better than the amazing bed warmer that I grew so fond of.)

More than clean, comfortable bedrooms and delicious meals, the thing I’ve most appreciated about staying in other’s homes this holiday has been the fellowship with friends. I’ve enjoyed the noises of people living together each day. And I trust that Christ himself will one day take me to be with him where he is. He knows that “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).  There will be no silent house that I sit inside in solitude: I will finally be able to fellowship with the essence of all truth (John 14:6)-the embodiment of love.

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I know that there is a reason that the Bible speaks so much about community. We all know, deep in our being, that “it is not good for man to be alone.”  I’ve always prided myself in my love of community—my work in camp ministry, residence life, and education have been rich growth opportunities. 

Yet, it wasn't until I recently experienced a dysfunctional Christian community that I realized how much I still have to learn about living as a member of the body of Christ. I have not learned what it means to “love my neighbor as myself” (Mark 12:31).

He’s not finished with me yet.

I’ve been reading two wonderful books that I highly recommend to anyone interested in loving others better with “the love that Christ first showed to us” (1 John 4:19).

·         A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson

·         Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer


"Many rooms"

The Paradox of Death & Life

A few weeks ago was Fall Break for the Christian International School of Prague. When we go away for short breaks I typically leave my plant in my classroom. Normally it can survive a few days without water. Unfortunately, this time It was more than a few days . . . because I forgot to water my plant all week. (I know, I know-- i'm a plant killer!)

When I returned, my plant was looking rather helpless. I looked over my sad remainder of a plant as I snipped the dead buds & leaves off of the top. Nonetheless, I held out the tiniest ounce of hope that what was left of my plant might live, and restrained myself from immediately tossing it into the garbage. A few weeks passed and though I was the most faithful of garden-nurses it continued in its sad state: a few green leaves and nothing more.

Last week we released for our Thanksgiving break. Just before I left I looked at my plant once more, gave it an smidgen of water and let it be. The plant simply wasn't recovering-- and I was about ready to give up on my patient. (Praise God that he didn't call me into gardening-- Or nursing!)

When I returned on Monday morning, I picked up my plant and held it up to the light, contemplating the healing process and assessing whether there was any reason to continue in hope. As I walked towards the garbage, I noticed something surprising to an amateur gardener: There were buds . . . but not at the top of the greenery where I expected them! The buds were emerging from the bottom of the plant . . . the top of the plant was still just as dormant as it had always been . . .  but there was life coming up from the ground. If I let this plant continue to heal, It will continue to replace the dead leaves with fresh green leaves. There will be life from death!

***

The past few months have been one of the hardest seasons of my life. I've been struggling with increased levels of anxiety and depression for various reasons-- and I've had to come to the hard conclusion, that ultimately, whatever the cause, God is allowing me to walk through this hard season. He is allowing me to feel very much like the dry, green plant that I nearly threw away.

But PRAISE God that he is a more faithful and patient garden-nurse than I am! He does not give up on me when I deem myself dry and useless-- he does not look at my dry, crackled leaves and think, "hope is gone." For, he knows that there is the potential for fresh, new leaves, and beautiful blossoms deep inside of me. I can't see them right now. But, I couldn't predict where those blossoms would emerge from, either. To my human eyes it didn't seem possible.

One of the ways I've been intentionally seeking to cling to truth in this hard time has been to memorize scripture. Though I'm a teacher at a Christian school, I've never been the most faithful 'memorize-r' of Scripture . . . The following passages are two of the passages that I've clung to more than any other in this rough season of life:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose trust is in the Lord.

He is like a tree planted by water,

that sends out it's roots by the stream

and does not fear when heat comes,

for its leaves remain green,

and is not anxious in the year of drought,

for it does not cease to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Often, in this dry spell I've wondered how I can possibly be useful as a teacher, mentor, leader, or friend in this season. In my eyes I seem so small and so weak . . . but "in the year of drought, I will not cease to bear fruit." Praise God for this truth!

The Lord is my Shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL the days of my life

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23

How sweet it is to know that i'm being led in a path of righteousness . . . even when I feel more broken than ever. How pleasing to acknowledge that this is all for the GLORY of my God; that he DELIGHTS in bringing life out of death, healing to the broken. 

***

One of my students popped her head in after school. I regularly eat lunch with or have students stop by my class at the end of the school day, so her entrance wasn't unexpected or unwelcome. As I watered my plant, she asked me questions about it. I chuckled, and began to explain to her how God often teaches me through analogies. I explained how he showed me that I'm very much like the plant that I was watering.

. . . After a few minutes she looked at me and said, "that's really neat. Thanks for sharing this story with me!"


I hadn't thought much about God's little lesson for me throughout that day, but her response to my story made me see that it was likely an analogy worth sharing.

Blessings to each of you, and may you remember in both times of smooth sailing & difficult weather that our God is a God who brings life out of death and beauty from ashes.

BeFRIENDing the Enemy

Have you ever thought about how many people you interact with in your lifetime? Think about the number of people you attended school, worked with, spoke with in grocery lines, drove next to along the road. The number is rather astonishing. Then, think about the number of those people you have considered close friends along the way.

That number, too, is (in comparison) rather astonishing. How is it that we can interact with so many people while so few travel with us throughout our lives?

This summer I spent a significant amount of time investing in the old friendships God's given me over the years. It was well past time. Throughout life, God has sifted through the great number of acquaintances bumping shoulders with me to provide me with a group of people that I easily understand and communicate with. 

This summer I was reading Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place (recommended by a dear friend many years ago), and I stumbled across a few beautifully written passages. One of my favorite passages is about the past:

"But, this is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." ~ Corrie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place)

I immediately thought of my friendships after reading this quote-- hasn't every friend God has ever given me served to strengthen me & shape me? Haven't they had an impact on who I am and what I believe? 

I think of Proverbs 27:17-- "As Iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." 

I couldn't help but stop to praise God for the friends he's given me-- and then to remind them how thankful I am for them. It's worth the phone call-- it's worth the time spent writing an e-mail or a letter . . . it's worth making an extra effort to visit them! They are precious gifts God has given me!

And then, as I continued reading The Hiding Place, I saw how little of the book was about friendships . . . in fact, most of it was about living daily with true enemies-- Nazi leaders who wanted those in the death camps to hurt and die. 

. . . Suddenly, the quote above takes on a whole new significance. I quickly focused on the positive, healthy relationships that have positively impacted my life . . . but, what of the hard relationships? What of the teachers, leaders, peers, coaches, and other individuals who have opposed me. . .  What of my antagonists- my  'enemies?' 

I pondered Ten Boom's idea, though it felt so foreign to me. I quickly saw that it matched up with scripture-- 

 "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." Romans 8:28

"But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" Matthew 5:44

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My last thought focused on a passage from The Hiding Place where Corrie's sister, Betsie, enters her living quarters and proceeds to thank God for everything he gave them-- including the fleas attacking them as they stood there. 

Corrie describes her wide eyed stare as she asked Betsie, "what good could their possibly be in fleas?! The women were stationed in this location to knit, and Betsie & Corrie used the opportunity to share their faith with those they worked with. Their work was rarely checked by any officials as they worked, so they had ample time for ministry. 

Can you guess the reason? The fleas.

I can't say that being thankful in all circumstances or loving my enemies comes easily for me . . .  but maybe it's time to practice praising God for ALL people and ALL circumstances. 

Another Sad, but Horribly True Confession . . .

The time has come for yet another sad (but terribly honest) confession. This afternoon I spent my two hours of preparation time grading papers. . . 

And I enjoyed every moment of it. 

I suppose I should see this as confirmation that God has given me the abilities and interests necessary for my current profession, but admitting this feels almost . . . well, wrong. No one is supposed to enjoy grading. (What is wrong with me?)


I believe my 9th graders caused this tragic admission. (Grrr.)


Here I sat, innocently reading vocabulary tests . . . expecting the same old vocabulary words repeated time after time, test after test. And what to my wondering eyes should appear? 


See for yourself:

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"Carla B. Rexus was disgruntled. This was because her obituary had her name spelled wrong. She had pretended to die so that she could see her own interment. She had always found funerals mesmerizing. To disguise herself she dressed in garish yellow and pink, girding herself from head to toe. Seeing these bright colors approaching people would avert their eyes, so they never saw Carla's countenance. Carla had just lost her job, due to her small repertoire. She had also expedited the curtailment of her job by acting like a buffoon at work. At her funeral, Carla was indignant at the lack of largess in her guests. They didn't bring a single gift!  There were a smattering of compliments for her, though. Well, they were compliments to her. . . people said she was malignant and infamous as a stereotypical valley-girl. Her sister told of how Carla spent her small stipend on junk during every cessation from her work. She was also credited with being an omnivorous shoplifter, stealing from sports shops to supply accessory stores. Carla had caused a resurgence in earmuffs, because no one wanted to hear her rampant babbling. Her mother told of her insatiable wish to ride a dinosaur. At this point, Carla gave up her illusory game and jumped up, scaring everyone and causing an exodus from the funeral home."  



By Hannah

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Not amused? Try another . . .

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"Gary wrote obituaries for the local newspaper. The smell of death permeated the rest of his life. One day Gary curtailed his work and went to a stereotypical vampire hangout to change things up. Then he saw her, and felt a resurgence of life! Her green eyes lacerated his heart.
Her name was Lindy and she had a repertoire for being sweet, but was vicious with an insatiable lust for blood. 


Lindy was a luminary in the vampire world. Next to her Gary looked like a buffoon, and his garish clothes left him looking very indignant. Lindy was mesmerized by him.When they were married alternatives had to be made. No vampire exodus to Iceland, no altercations, never go to bed disgruntled . . . The mix of human and vampire blood was a sensation and they had many largess of gifts. 


Lindy started working and received a stipend. One day while sitting at dinner (Lindy was omnivorous) they were told that their marriage was void and Gary was to be expedited to jail. Soon he died in jail. 


Lindy was so upset, as Gary was the rudiment of her life and soon died of a broken heart. Their friends' rancor led to making mixed marriages legal and on their ephemeral stones it said,


"Two lovers, two monsters, one love."


By Ellie

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Appalled by the easily seen fact that I was enjoying grading my vocabulary tests, I quickly shoved the remaining tests in my backpack and switched over to my literary device quizzes. Seriously, reading 9th grade poetry analysis should be able to stifle any enjoyment I was finding in my work. Right? 


Wrong. I made the mistake of allowing students to "play with words" on the back of the quiz when they were done. I expected it to be like watching toddlers playing with blocks. 

*Sweetly* "Oh, yes, very nice Word Castle, little Susie. 

*Under my breath* "Looks like it might fall over any minute."

Instead, they somehow managed to write these amusing diddles in the mere 15 minutes I gave them upon finishing their quizzes:

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The Bookmark
by Sam


"It sits there, as it stares. 
I slowly approach, 
as though it cares
that I will learn, 
And that I will see,
That near greatness
that will become of me.


It sits there, 
In this work of art,
Just waiting for me
To make a start. 


And if i'm lost
he knows where I am,
As I move through this book
As though it cares.


For without him,
I will not make it through.
He saves my place,
. . . So what about you?"

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. . . Wish I could fling words on a page and make something that enjoyable when I was in 9th grade. Bah! I'm still NOT supposed to be enjoying myself! Toughen up, woman!

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The Eraser
by James


The Eraser, small and white
could rival against the pencil's might.


It's rectangular shape
could erase a whole line, 
it wipes out errors 
and mistakes of mine. 


If only there was an eraser
in real life
to erase the past errors
of human kind.


But, sadly, It is only
a false reality
where an eraser could
redo humanity.

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Really? By this point you can imagine I was downright annoyed. I was smiling and laughing, enjoying myself and savoring every word . . . 


. . . I suppose the bottom line is this . . . 

I love my work. 

Thank you, wonderful CISP students, 

for making this school year so enjoyable. 

You will be muchly missed this summer . . . 

And I hope to see many of you again next school year!

Where is my home?

Last week some friends and I took a free three hour walking tour of Prague. I was rather hesitant to go, as three hours is quite a bit of time and I wondered if i'd learn anything new. After all, I have lived in the city for nearly two years. That should be enough time to learn everything there is about Prague, right? (Okay, okay, I admit that I was a little over confident in my knowledge!)

Have no fear! I was sufficiently humbled by the time the tour was over. There is, indeed, an abundance of information that I know nothing about related to Prague. For instance, our tour guide spoke of her husband's mother. Her husbands mother held 4 passports, was a citizen of multiple countries, and never moved out of the city she was born in. She was a citizen of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, The Republic of Czechoslovakia, The Communist party of Czechoslovakia, and the Czech Republic. Imagine the amount of paperwork and headache that would come with having to apply for new passports and other legal paperwork with each changeover! It truly is no wonder that the Czech people have titled their national anthem, "where is my home?"

. . . This beautiful land that I currently "hang my hat in" and call my home has been through a lot more than I imagine in the past 100 years. Many of the people I brush shoulders with each day have lived through at least 2 governments. Many of them were here in 1968 when Soviet tanks came thundering down their city roads (the same city roads I walk down so regularly!) to send the message that democracy would come at a high cost! (A cost the Czechs could not pay at that time but that they were willing to give their lives to make statements about!)

I think of the group of students that chose to burn themselves in front of the National Museum as a statement about the government they were under. I walked past Jan Polach's memorial just the other day.

I can't fully understand the heart aches of the Czech people. I'm only a visitor in a foreign land. But, I can relate to their search for a home.

. . . My hope and prayer is that one day these people will turn once again recognize their eternal home. My prayer is that the words of Godly men, WORLD changers like Jan Hus, who sought to reform the church before even Martin Luther will not be forgotten. My hope is that the 27 white crosses at the bottom of Old Town Square will not be seen as decorations. 27 men were tortured to death because of their faith!

The Czech people are seeking a home that they can trust in.

May they find it.

"For we know that if the tent,

which is the earthly home, is destroyed,

we have a building from God,

a house not made with hands,

eternal in the heavens."

2 Corinthians 5:1

The Czech National Anthem

Kde domov muj?
(Where is my homeland, where is my
homeland?)

Kde domov muj, kde domov muj?
Voda huci po lucinach,
bory sumi po skalinach,
v sade skvi se jara kvet,
zemsky raj to na pohled!
A to je ta krasna zeme,
zeme ceska domov muj,
zeme ceska domov muj!

English Translation:

Where is my home, where is my home?
Water bubbles across the meadows,
Pinewoods rustle among crags,
The garden is glorious with spring blossom,
Paradise on earth it is to see.
And this is that beautiful land,
The Czech land, my home.

Where is my home, where is my home?
If, in a heavenly land, you have met
Tender souls in agile frames,
Of clear mind, vigorous and prospering,
And with a strength that frustrates all defiance,
That is the glorious race of the Czechs,
Among Czechs is my home.

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/