Mexico
December 30-January 6
- Church community needed and missed
- Paradise on earth is not necessarily paradise
- Serving the weak and vulnerable is hard
- 1 Timothy 1:5 “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere faith.”
- Church Community needed and missed. As much as travelling to an all inclusive resort had its perks—no dishes, no cooking, no snow!, there were many more important aspects that were missing. Having travelled to and lived with the local church in isolated areas, I knew what it was like to have a community care for you and be generous with no money attached...to enjoy the lingering conversation with a family over a cup of tea and to share in the inside jokes of the land. To be with Christians who do not share a common language but share a common Father is a taste of heaven to be cherished. In our week in Mexico we needed to visit the doctor on the resort a couple times (my boys!), and eventually ended up in the hospital in Playa De Carman (Anthony!). A credit card speaks loud and clear in an area that has plenty of financial motivation, but in moments of uncertainty and fear it was the Christian community I really missed, the community that lives out Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Nothing replaces that. And though it was a very beautiful place, I missed the beauty of the Christian community.
- Paradise on earth is not necessarily paradise. I had always dreamed of going to an all inclusive resort but growing up somewhat poor (from a western stand point) and being in ministry always felt like this dream was out of reach. But when Shonet’s mother offered to take the family as a last trip due to health issues I looked forward to the ‘living with ease’ dream. Don’t get me wrong as I mentioned above there were plenty of great things there and we would enjoy going back if we got the chance. But the lie is that this kind of week is ‘heaven on earth’, but its so not. Jesus said life is realized and achieved not when we accumulate and fill ourselves or even achieve our greatest dreams but when we are emptied for others and are expended for the poor. I watched many others fill themselves with sun, drink and food till they swelled...but we all got on the plane and went home back to our lives. It was ironic that no applauded when we landed in Winnipeg. These are great weeks if you get them, but don't be bedazzled into believing this is the best life can get...there is plenty more enriching experiences than this. Enjoy it but leave it where it belongs--fantasy.
- Serving the weak and vulnerable is hard. For most of the week my dear wife was a nurse to her mother who was diagnosed with an early onset form of dementia that has run rampant. In fact caring for her mother has characterized much of the first part of our sabbatical (more on that later). But though we were in a lovely place, grandma needed care every half hour…changing the pace and expectations of the week. We believe she had a good time-Pina Coladas and all, but if you are a caregiver of someone then you understand the toll that can take. With Shonet caring for her mom, I was delighted to hang out with our 3 amazing kids, even though we got to know the doctor on a first name basis, they still found the humour and joy of the adventure. Kids are more resilient than adults. Faith and joy comes quicker to them. Its no wonder that Jesus recommends those who seek power in this world to study children.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere faith.” This was perhaps the only verse I really meditated on the entire week, it popped out to me from a book I was reading by David Powlison on sanctification (how does God change us?). The simple clarity of this verse was what I needed. Sometimes I just need clear direction—the aim of my charge is love...that issues from a pure heart (not tainted to love other things)...a clear conscience (any regrets, any dark hidden secrets?) and a sincere faith (how's that doubt problem?). It took all week to think on that.
