I sit in a nondescript club in Tianjin China listening to a band singing 70s tunes. With a surreal Chinese lead singer, a Pilipino bass player and an American on electric, you could be anywhere.
I am anywhere and nowhere in China’s original capital. It is hard to explain. I want to use David’s words; “God has taken charge; from now on he has the last word.” (Psalm 22.28) The original plan but was list early in the day. On the way here from the airport my local-knows-every-street driver got lost. It was not a take a left when it should be a right kind of lost. My 2-hour journey turned into 4. In the extra time, I enjoyed cotton fields, watching farmers working in an aqua-farming project, the thrill is seeing a Chinese naval frigate up close, and a sense of abandonment while meandering through an old port city.
Eventually I arrived where others had planned. I was tired enough not to care. In the end, schedules sorted themselves out. I am left with the memories of a part of China most do not ever see.
Whatever the story becomes, I realize I am richer for the experience. As I sit listening to the music now, I miss those closest to my heart. I wonder about the cost that is paid in relationships by those close to me. This trip reminds me of the following.
Live in the moment and let the experience make you rich.
When things do not work according to plan, adapt, let the new story be the path enriching your life.
In the darkness take stock. No matter how far you might be from the people you live, they are as a thought. Reach out, and let them know that you are thinking if them, especially if it is her or his birthday.
Above all, live the life you have. It is where God will use you. It is where God will meet you. The present is the only moment we have. God is with you, even when you are lost.
