I think I will begin with some small things – the washing machines. It is expensive to run a dryer in some parts of the world and so we hang our clothes in the basement on clothes lines with two de-humidifiers running. I usually wait two days because only one day and I’m not sure if the clothes are damp or just cold. This has been quite a week as we switch gears to another topic and some are feeling a bit homesick. For me it was photos of children with their pumpkins. I have the best family and have been able to spend holidays with sweet grandchildren. This year will be different but there is a big reason. A speaker yesterday commented that our passports are for the Kingdom of God. That is where my citizenship and loyalty are anchored. I am very happy that a friend is forwarding my ballot because it is important to vote in every election but that action, however important, is not a definition or limitation. I have a citizenship in Heaven. We are here from many different nations but that is no excuse for being an “ugly” American. I remember visiting a woolen shop somewhere in Scotland years ago. A group of my countrymen and women were tossing sweaters and using loud voices and just making fools of themselves. I slunk out of the shop hoping no one would notice I was American. It is the same here. I cannot say “this is how WE do things” as an excuse for being unkind or insensitive. I can’t be loud because we are all loud in whatever country…or moody because we are a sensitive people…or pushy because that is how we ARE. No, we are citizens of Heaven and God’s word speaks clearly on loving our brothers and sisters no matter how wrong we think they are in their behavior. I think it is common, as I begin week four, to be happy I am here but to notice I’m more careful now that I know more. These new friends are the frosting on the cupcake but God is the main event. All of these side-stories need to remain to the side. I saw a picture today of a worry I had lost some sleep over and it was a kite that flew away. I feel better and I did nothing but ask God for help. It is a big thing when the creator of the universe, who is over time, has the time for me.
