Thursday, March 22, 2007
On Sunday afternoon we were desirous of a change of scenery. In the States we would often take a Sunday afternoon drive in the country; enjoy the trees and farmland, look at old buildings in old towns, and talk. A drive to Phnom Penh isn’t so relaxing. Chheng said he also wanted to go, so he drove us to the mall in Phnom Penh. Bill said, “They sell everything that’s wrong with the United States here!” More specifically: ’80’s fashion. After an hour and a half there and an hour and a half back in bumpy, swerving, stop-and-go Cambodian traffic, we decided the thought of going to Phnom Penh is better than actually going! I did thoroughly enjoy the pizza and salad we had for dinner there, though. Especially the salad.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
I was thinking about the discrepancy between the ideas associated with the title, “Missionary to Cambodia,” and my actual daily life, and I have come to two conclusions: the generally-held, nebulous impression of the super-spiritual life of a missionary is wrong; and the generally-coddled, notion of the ordinary (sub-spiritual) life of the “ordinary Christian” is also wrong.
Life is life, no matter what country it is lived in. When we’re hungry, I don’t break off a piece of bread from a never-ending loaf. I spend a considerable amount of my day in the kitchen. And when I want to grill pork, I don’t douse the charcoal with water and call down fire from heaven. I just use a lighter and a wad of paper. When our tank runs out of water, rather than tapping on a rock, we call the guy who pumps it from the river. We haven’t even healed anyone or cast out any demons.
What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If mopping isn’t glorious in the US, it’s not glorious in Cambodia. If loving and serving my husband doesn’t honor God in the US, it doesn’t honor Him in Cambodia, either. There I was a wife, a housekeeper, a church member, a Sunday School teacher, a friend, a neighbor, a customer. I’m all those things here, too.
Do you look to God to supply your needs? Do you delight in His attributes? Do you seek to display His character in your own? Does the thought of His kindness to you stir up the least bit of gratitude and affection? Do you love His people and His house? Is His word on your mind? Is His praise on your lips? Is His peace in your heart?
This is why you were created.
So do you have a husband? Love him! Do you have a neighbor? Talk to her! Do you have children? Train them! Do you have a trial? Seek the Lord’s peace and trust Him! Can you rejoice? Then rejoice in the Lord!
Our calling and purpose and responsibility are not contingent upon our address. Do you need a title to set your life in perspective? How about “Child of the Most High God.”
Jenn |
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