New place, new pace, new perspective.
It is an axiom I find helpful. Sometimes when I am writing, or
working on a project, I find it helpful to find a new place, somewhere other
than my office or our home. The new place literally and figuratively provides a
new perspective. The different surroundings awaken me to new insights. New
people remind me of the vast array of human beings, each with their own
perspective on life, which certainly is not the same as mine. It reminds me
that my way of thinking is just that, my way of thinking. It is not necessarily
“right”, nor should I assume others will embrace it.
A new place also provides a new pace. Leaving the office, or even
our home, seems to slow me down. Perhaps it is because things are unfamiliar
and I have to be more conscious of my surroundings. Whatever it takes, slowing
my mind down is a good thing.
For some people I am speaking a foreign language. For them
familiarity is the key to perspective and insight. The same place, at the same
time, and the comfort and security that comes with knowing where everything is
inspires some people. It is a personality thing.
This year we live in a new place. Memorial Day weekend will be
different here.
On Memorial Day weekend in Traverse City our church attendance
grew with visitors who had second homes in the area or who had chosen Traverse
City as a weekend vacation destination. Our own members didn’t leave, where
else would you want to be on an early summer holiday weekend? In Chicago we are
having only one service due to the great exodus.
It is supposed to be in the 90’s this weekend in Chicago. Where
can we go to beat the heat? How much of a hassle will it be to get to a beach?
In Traverse City we were perplexed by which beach, lake, or
beautiful spot to choose.
In Traverse City we could work around the house in the morning
and still get to the beach in five minutes for the rest of the day. In Chicago
it will be a little more challenging.
One place is not better than the other (although some would no
doubt disagree), they are just different.
God calls us to a place; a city, a country, a job, a school, a
ministry, a church, a team, a....(put your own words here).
When God plants us somewhere we will flourish there. Every
experience may not be great. We may miss people, or places. In every new place
there will be a new pace and a new perspective, which is God’s way of helping
us to grow. When God plants us somewhere we will flourish, even if it means
flourishing in difficulty, pain or trials.
Place, pace and perspective are God’s unique gifts to us.
No matter what place you find yourself in this weekend, I pray
that you will slow your pace and open yourself to God’s perspective. And
remember the purpose of the weekend...giving thanks for the many who have
offered their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom to have a long weekend!
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