Mission. It has an essential bi-focal aspect to it.
I remember my Grandmother Augustine darning socks in front of the farmhouse window as it looks south towards the barn and on to Lake Erie, about a half kilometer away. She sat there by the big window so she could see better as the gentle winter sunlight shone through. I loved watching her and chatting with her as her fingers went about their business. I loved watching her eyes flit from the bottom part of her glasses as she worked, then to the top when she looked over at me.
We wear bi-focals in our missions work. If we become energized about a house-build in South America with Habitat for Humanity, or plunge ourselves into a cultural and language change, I am able to sustain this energy if I have been looking closely at the mission right in front of me.
This afternoon, we will visit a funeral home. Our neighbours across the street from us will be hosting a visitation to honour a mother's life. We were last there a short 4 weeks ago when they lost a father. We walk with them.
And now my dear friend Amador, my best Chilean friend, is in the last days of his life. His cancer has spread to his brain and lungs. He has lost consciousness and is on a respirator. Despite a 6,000 kilometers gap, it's as real to us as our friends across the street.
It may seem rather schizophrenic, but our spiritual eyes flit back and forth. We long for the full redemption of humankind and creation! We trust God that the Gospel is having its effect, both in Crestly Place, London ON as well as in Santiago, Chile. We cannot do this without our spiritual eyes seeing with bi-focals.
I remember my Grandmother Augustine darning socks in front of the farmhouse window as it looks south towards the barn and on to Lake Erie, about a half kilometer away. She sat there by the big window so she could see better as the gentle winter sunlight shone through. I loved watching her and chatting with her as her fingers went about their business. I loved watching her eyes flit from the bottom part of her glasses as she worked, then to the top when she looked over at me.
We wear bi-focals in our missions work. If we become energized about a house-build in South America with Habitat for Humanity, or plunge ourselves into a cultural and language change, I am able to sustain this energy if I have been looking closely at the mission right in front of me.
This afternoon, we will visit a funeral home. Our neighbours across the street from us will be hosting a visitation to honour a mother's life. We were last there a short 4 weeks ago when they lost a father. We walk with them.
And now my dear friend Amador, my best Chilean friend, is in the last days of his life. His cancer has spread to his brain and lungs. He has lost consciousness and is on a respirator. Despite a 6,000 kilometers gap, it's as real to us as our friends across the street.
It may seem rather schizophrenic, but our spiritual eyes flit back and forth. We long for the full redemption of humankind and creation! We trust God that the Gospel is having its effect, both in Crestly Place, London ON as well as in Santiago, Chile. We cannot do this without our spiritual eyes seeing with bi-focals.
