I guess "normal" is completely relative. Normal used to be visits with my parents, shopping trips to Target, Sunday mornings at church, Thursday morning bible study, days off that were truly days off, etc. Life was normal. I guess what I mean by that, is life was comfortable, familiar, routine.
Life here is definitely becoming more "normal". The culture, the language, the frequent outings to villages comprised of metal shanties and thatched huts & a 24/7 ministry are all becoming comfortable, familiar and routine. I'm getting used to be stared at wherever we go, to not understanding the conversations being had all around me, & even to not getting see my family.
I've longed for "normalcy" the entire time we've been here. But recently the Lord is showing me that normal is wherever He has me... and whatever He has me doing. I guess "normal" is a decision... at least it is for me. I have to choose to accept this life as normal, or I'll go nuts longing for what used to be comfortable, familiar and routine.
Yes, yes, yes!
ReplyDeleteI know this.....when you return, you will long for the life you had when you were there. This culture is chaotic and complicated. When I returned from China (only for a 6 week trip) I felt so bombarded.
ReplyDeleteI also know that being away from "normal" seems to keep you closer to God. Don't we all lose our "need" for God in "normalcy"?
Yes! So well put Reagan!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Lindsey, I just found your site, it's so great to meet a fellow Jesus-seeker! Can't believe I never found you before. But anyway, love this post. You are now officially added to my following!
ReplyDeleteLindsey, it's so awesome to see how the Lord is blessing your lives. He so obviously has His hands over you and His love in your heart. Thanks for the beautiful post yesterday! Lotsa love from the Thursday morning bible study group at CCSFS! We miss you!
ReplyDeleteAAHHHHH!!! I miss you guys too! Okay, I'm crying now! Thanks a lot Merry! :) Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteHmm, soooo good sister and sooo true!! I have heard it said, "Wherever you are, be ALL there". Truly contentment is only found IN Christ alone...not a place, or a circumstance. I used to feel that pull when we were overseas, I just missed being "normal"...being home, being comfortable. Now that I'm home, I struggle with longing for a 'new' normal (my own home)...see? My only rest comes from simply walking with Him today...this moment, wherever He has me and whatever He has me doing/being/seeing!!
ReplyDeleteEVEN IF it means He really truly WANTS me to turn....ugh, ack, eek....THIRTY YEARS OLD!! :D
Love to you girl....
Reagan had it right..."being away from "normal" seems to keep you closer to God. Don't we all lose our "need" for God in "normalcy"?" So true, so true, so true. Besides...what's "normal" to one might not really be "normal" to another...and who wants to be like everyone else instead of what God wants us to be?
ReplyDeleteFarrah from...
http://wifeandmomof3.net
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog.
I'm not sure where you live, but one of the wisest decisions we've made is to join a food co-op. We get awesome organic food and it is 40% less than shopping at a for-profit grocery store. Members have to work 1x per month, but there is free childcare.
Here is a directory of coops:
http://www.coopdirectory.org/directory.htm
God is so awesome! It is exciting to see how he works things out...so much better than anything we could have planned! I'm glad I found your blog.
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