It is hard to explain where I live. A picture given to me expresses it best. There three photographs of places I might call home. The forth reveled the truth; it was labeled “home” was a photograph with people I love.
Physically, I am all over. In the past few weeks, there are six countries and several time zones. The three mobiles that I carry ring at the oddest hours. At times, I pick them up.
It was 7 am and I was looking to get a jumpstart on my day. One mobile connected me with California friend dealing with a stress point. The unexpected break was call to engage in heart living. On the other extreme, a Skype call came in the middle of the night. The caller thought I had rung. As a courtesy, she was calling me back on behalf of her father. To my knowledge, unless my fingers were sleep typing, I was asleep during that time.
Physically in one place, virtually in another seems to be more normal than not.
I do not think this is ideal. However, this reality has been something I have known all my life. I have come to appreciate the ways this plays into my gifts. I have the opportunity to contribute in ways I never imagined. Friends that nurture my journey are found in cities and villages all over the world. While it takes work to stay in touch, the community I live in is warm, open, and real.
As I think of physically reconnecting with those I live with in my mind, I need to put life in context. I think of Paul’s story.
“I’ve been out of the country for a number of years and now I’m back. While I was away, I took up a collection for the poor and brought that with me, along with offerings for the Temple. It was while making those offerings that they found me quietly at my prayers in the Temple.” (Acts 24.17)
I need to tell you my story. I would like to hear yours.
