This last weekend marked my halfway point in India
I was reflecting on why I haven’t been posting as many new things to my blog. I realized that in the beginning, many of my posts were either about God preparing me for this journey or about all the new things I was experiencing over here. After being here for two months, things just seem normal. This is just life. We go to work, go to church, hang out with friends. It doesn’t feel strange anymore, and the daily experiences don’t always strike me as crazy like they used to. So I don’t think to blog about them.
The good part is that God has allowed us to adapt so quickly and thoroughly to this lifestyle and culture. We’re enjoying our time and have immersed ourselves in all things India
The downside is that as things become more normal, I find that it’s very easy to focus more on myself and forget the reason God called me here. While I know in my head that my every breath is dependent on Him, I don’t feel as dependent because I’ve gotten the hang of things. I feel like I’m doing this by myself now. I’m good. I’m just living my life. It just happens to be in a different country. But I want God to refocus me and renew the vision that He placed on us so that I don’t just get caught up in my work and travels and lose sight of the specific reason God wanted me here. I want Him to remind me how completely dependent I am on Him for all things (and yes, I realize this might be an invitation for a little discomfort)!
This is also my prayer for when I return home in eight weeks. I know how easy it will be to sink back into the comforts of home and go back to my normal routine. But I want to keep myself set apart and focus just as keenly there on spreading His truth and glory as I’ve tried to do here.
When I was about ready to leave Mexico, I had been talking on AIM to Derek about how much I loved being in Mexico and serving the Lord with such focus. I told him that I was scared of going back because I was afraid I would get lost in the routine again. He asked me a very pointed question: "Well, what are your plans for guarding against that?" He put it back on me and making a God-centered plan rather than just going back and hoping it went well. Obviously 4 years later, there are obviously things that have become routine, just as you've even experienced in India already. But I think you have the right focus... to be praying that the Lord will keep you renewed and focused even back in the States. But, I'd also make specific plans to which you can be held accountable. Prepare, specifically, to pour yourself out as soon as you return. Don't think that you should just "give yourself some downtime" when you get back and then "get back into it." I know you're tired, but you need to hit the ground running when you get back. I did within the first week, despite my longing not to do so... in a very specific, life-changing way! You'll be thankful you did! Make plans! and tell others! :-)
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