Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Kathmandu
I am really enjoying Kathmandu. Reminds me of a less crowded and cooler Ho Chi Minh City. Very kind and respectful people. It is a wonderful place.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Eternal Unseen Things
"...we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." II Cor 4:18
This verse took on an deeply personal meaning for me during the fall of 2000. At that time, Carrie and I were making one of the most important decisions of our lives. We had been granted the opportunity to consider adopting a little girl from Vietnam, My Linh Nguyen, a wonderful little girl who had been waiting to be adopted for nearly three years. In the middle of our praying and wondering if we might be the family for My Linh, God opened my eyes to this verse - " we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." The Lord confirmed in my heart the desire to adopt My Linh by speaking to me about the unseen eternal beauty and wonder of this dear child and by convincing me not to look at the transient circumstances and the complications and obligations that would ensue.
Anyone who knows My Linh understands that the eternal unseen qualities of this young woman so far surpass the things that can be seen. Her faith, courage, determination, kindness and loyalty speak to me of the goodness of God and testify to His wisdom.
So we received My Linh with joy and we committed to her as parents. The blessing of that decision can not be overstated. And our commitment to do our best for My Linh, with the help of God, remains. That commitment to My Linh seems at odds with the decision of our family to permit me to leave for the next several months. We remain committed to providing the medical care My Linh needs, but we also have accepted the opportunity for our family to serve The Lord in a unique and special way that calls us to separate for the current time. Weeks and months of life together that we forfeit.
But God, in His kindness, brought me back to this passage again, to remind me and to encourage me again:
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Here's hoping in that unseen eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. I trust that it will be beyond imagination and I look forward to seeing my beloved family enjoy its fullness.
__________
I arrived safely in Kathmandu today. The view of the Himalayas on the approach to the city is indescribable. I've seen only a small part of the city, but I am already very fond of Kathmandu. It is quiet for a city this size and peaceful. One of the streets we drove along was encompassed by a canopy of colorful triangular flags - I imagine they are the same flags that the Nepalese place high on the mountains, but I'm not sure. In any event, it was beautiful and striking.
This verse took on an deeply personal meaning for me during the fall of 2000. At that time, Carrie and I were making one of the most important decisions of our lives. We had been granted the opportunity to consider adopting a little girl from Vietnam, My Linh Nguyen, a wonderful little girl who had been waiting to be adopted for nearly three years. In the middle of our praying and wondering if we might be the family for My Linh, God opened my eyes to this verse - " we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." The Lord confirmed in my heart the desire to adopt My Linh by speaking to me about the unseen eternal beauty and wonder of this dear child and by convincing me not to look at the transient circumstances and the complications and obligations that would ensue.
Anyone who knows My Linh understands that the eternal unseen qualities of this young woman so far surpass the things that can be seen. Her faith, courage, determination, kindness and loyalty speak to me of the goodness of God and testify to His wisdom.
So we received My Linh with joy and we committed to her as parents. The blessing of that decision can not be overstated. And our commitment to do our best for My Linh, with the help of God, remains. That commitment to My Linh seems at odds with the decision of our family to permit me to leave for the next several months. We remain committed to providing the medical care My Linh needs, but we also have accepted the opportunity for our family to serve The Lord in a unique and special way that calls us to separate for the current time. Weeks and months of life together that we forfeit.
But God, in His kindness, brought me back to this passage again, to remind me and to encourage me again:
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Here's hoping in that unseen eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. I trust that it will be beyond imagination and I look forward to seeing my beloved family enjoy its fullness.
__________
I arrived safely in Kathmandu today. The view of the Himalayas on the approach to the city is indescribable. I've seen only a small part of the city, but I am already very fond of Kathmandu. It is quiet for a city this size and peaceful. One of the streets we drove along was encompassed by a canopy of colorful triangular flags - I imagine they are the same flags that the Nepalese place high on the mountains, but I'm not sure. In any event, it was beautiful and striking.
Friday, January 25, 2013
The nearness of God
"But for me, it is good to be near God" - Psalm 73
I am alone at the airport. I don't know when I will be home again. But for me, it is good to be near God. Everything ahead is founded on that truth.
I can not find words right now to explain the tranquility of today. God is kind and gracious and mysterious and patient.
It is also impossible to describe the depth and beauty of my family. It is humbling to think that God, in His wisdom, gave me such loving, compassionate, courageous family members. Carrie, Hudson, My Linh - I love you and I thank you. Your faith encourages me and your love brings me joy. I am immensely grateful for you.
I am alone at the airport. I don't know when I will be home again. But for me, it is good to be near God. Everything ahead is founded on that truth.
I can not find words right now to explain the tranquility of today. God is kind and gracious and mysterious and patient.
It is also impossible to describe the depth and beauty of my family. It is humbling to think that God, in His wisdom, gave me such loving, compassionate, courageous family members. Carrie, Hudson, My Linh - I love you and I thank you. Your faith encourages me and your love brings me joy. I am immensely grateful for you.
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