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.