A week ago was the Māori new year celebration called Matariki, and our city had a light show set up to enjoy in the cold dark evenings. I’m really fortunate to be in a life group that has come around me to help me make it through this cold, dark winter, so I was invited along by a family to enjoy the lights last week. My life group also made a midwinter Christmas party happen for me. I mean, the kids loved the present game and pumpkin desserts as well, so it wasn’t all about me, but it meant a lot that my whānau is helping me adjust to the seasons reversing in my brain.
Cath’s message this morning was on Psalm 121, and she repeated the “my help comes from the Lord” refrain several times as she talked about how we sometimes need to redirect our focus when life is challenging. I’m so grateful the Lord gave me this life group to help shift my focus from the dark of winter to the shine of community that loves well those weirdos who can’t handle July being cold.
The high schools here are on holiday for the next two weeks, and I’m going to have a wee break myself as I sit with the new seasons God’s moved me to and reflect on how grateful I am. I posted my annual playlist last week which started some of my reflection from the past year of transition, but this coming week I’ll sift through comments from my latest memoir manuscript draft and make revisions in light of how God has continued to stretch and grow me in the past ten months.
I write a lot here about the differences between cultures, and there certainly are a lot of things lost and missed by leaving a place you’ve lived. However, I am incredibly blessed with the kind of life that can reflect on three continents of traditions and be content with the place I am now. As much as I’d love to be somewhere warm, those Christmas in July mattress sales in America have got nothing on the down under version of twinkle lights inside with glühwein, lamb, heaps of green beans, and pumpkin desserts with fresh cream sprinkled amidst lots of laughter and active children. I’m grateful to be where I am.
Your “I’m grateful to be where I am.” statement is a good one.
I miss you.
God has indeed always taken you exactly where He wants you to in each season. What a joy to hear how He continues to work, bless and reside wherever you are!
Love & miss you,
-Karin