well...between

well

As we transition from one place to another, from one missional context to another, we keep asking ourselves what it means to finish well here in South Africa. Our family recently sat down to make a list of all the people and places we'd like to visit in order to say “goodbye” to our lives in South Africa. As I look at the list, it seems a bit daunting because there are a lot of significant people we'd love to spend time with. And, there are a lot of special places we'd like to visit one last time as a family. This will take some time and planning, but it will be worth the effort as we release one context in order to embrace another.

In addition to finishing well, we'd like to transition well. I've been thinking more and more about what it means to transition well. Contrary to popular belief, the end doesn't always justify the means. We want to walk through this time with the same integrity, passion, peace and sense of mission that we hope for in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Location does not determine how our lives are lived.

Two words have become increasingly helpful in shaping my thinking about how we, as a family, would like to navigate this transition. The words expectancy and expectation help paint a mental picture of how I want to live while in transition. Expectancy trusts, while expectation seeks to control. Expectancy submits, while expectation demands. Expectancy hopes, while expectation worries. Expectancy rests, while expectation strives. I want to be filled with a sense of expectancy of all that God has for us, while keeping a check on my expectations.

between

During this time of transition, we keep finding ourselves yearning to be in Minnesota. However, when we stop and consider our lives right here, right now, we realize that our lives are good. When we consider the people we are pouring our lives into, and the daily opportunities to live out the mission God has given us, we see a design in the present.

Finishing up the “life compass” process with our friends Christo and Petro as they prepare to emigrate to Australia. Journeying with Busi as she embraces her calling after a year of NieuCommunities. Walking with Doug and Colletta as they explore their future ministry with CRM as a newly married couple. Helping Christo, Johannes, Chris and others process all that God is doing in their lives. Loving our neighbors, who are facing financial difficulties. All of these people are significant to us and part of our contribution to the kingdom here in Pretoria.

Yes, we'd love to sell this house. Yes, we'd love to have Daleen's visa in hand. Yes, we'd love to have a specific date and airline tickets. This tension of being content in the here and now, and the hope for what is to come, is the reality of the “in-between-ness” of transition. And in this in-between stage of our journey, in the midst of the unknown, we find life, purpose and meaning.

walking

"Man, Africans sure do walk slowly!" That was my first thought as I observed a young, African couple with their baby stroller walking down the street near my house. "If they were walking any slower, they'd be going backwards," was probably my second thought.

All of a sudden I was very aware of how people were walking, and images began to flood my thoughts. I could picture Western women with their "jogging strollers" running through the neighborhoods of my mind. I could see white people walking "with purpose," going somewhere. And, finally, I could see myself walking briskly through my neighborhood with my kids on their bikes because we only have 15 minutes before dinner.

As I thought about the African couple with their stroller, the one thing I could remember is the way they were looking at each other. The way they were enjoying each other. Lost to the world and enraptured in a moment in time. My judgmental thoughts of their "slowness" quickly gave way to a constructive envy.

As a "Westerner," I struggle with slowing down. It seems that I always have to have a goal. Even when I walk through my neighborhood with my kids I am, more often than not, bound by how far we want to go, or how much time we have. And, before I know it, the journey has given way to the destination.

Unfortunately, my physical life often mirrors my spiritual life. I often approach my time with God in much the same manner, as if there is a goal other than being with Him. As though I must "get something" from my time with Him or else I may have wasted it. And, oh, how we hate to waste time.

As I get older, I find that being with Him is the goal. Resting and enjoying His presence is what He calls me to. Yes, He is concerned with who I become, what I do and how I live, but first and foremost He wants me. All the other things will flow from that, not the other way around.

Hopefully, the next time I sit in my car and wait (for what seems like eons) for a couple to cross the road, I will be grateful and remember. Grateful for a culture that slows down and enjoys the journey. And mindful of the value of relationships along the way.