It's not easy to 're-start' in a new place. Yet, it can be seen as an opportunity many do not have. We have a chance to make new friends, to add to the friends we already have; a chance to call a new city 'home', a chance to break from routines and start again; evaluating which added value and which used up time. A chance to create new boundaries, a chance to do things the way we wished we did it the last time around. A chance to see which friendships stood the test of time, who were happy to have us back and who were envious of God's favour and secretly wishing we came back with our head hung low. Yes, there are those too....
We've been blessed to be given a chance to reboot twice now, one five years after our marriage and then another five years later. The first one was welcomed with open arms, and we were eager for the adventures ahead. It has been a wonderful journey; with its ups and downs - but most importantly, it gave us the opportunity to breathe, to get to know ourselves, to make friends, to enjoy nature and family and friendships. However, the only reason we were willing to move was because we needed a new scenery, ie the road had become too tough. Too demanding, we needed to be just us for awhile. And it was good.
This new move though, was not so welcomed, but it was time. We knew it in our hearts that our previous adventure was not the final one. In many ways, it's proven to be good. In some ways, it's been sad, as character shines through bullshit and people who honour on social media dishonour and hurt us in person. From across the South China Sea, it's easy to let it go; but from here, I guess the time for escapism is over. Hopefully the years we had to grow; has prepared us for the next lap.
Matthew 23 reminded me that religious leaders were warned not to follow the Pharisees. However the description of the Pharisees sounded very much like the said people; who have been given the place of honour by independent religious organisations; and now think they deserve such titles and honour - without education, experience or character that is befitting of such titles.
We ran away the last time; believing there's something wrong with us, because we didn't speak bullshit; it's known by many terms - tact, charisma, whatever - the gene we didn't have. We came back realising there are many people like us, who like us, and who we have come to admire, even after all the sparkle wears out.
I pray God gives us the strength and endurance for this journey. That we will rise up to be what we have been called to be. And that He will comfort us for what we have lost.
