No Longer an Alien

It feels strange. After being a card-carrying alien for 44 years, the Japanese government is changing their policies as of this month. Our alien registration cards are being exchanged for residency cards. Not everyone has appreciated being called an alien, so some may feel this new designation sounds more welcoming.

While I have never resented being called an alien, carrying that ID has helped me remember where my true citizenship is. I love it that Ephesians 2:19 says I am not a foreigner or an alien, but a fellow citizen with God's people and members of God's household.

As a child here in Japan I was tall, blonde-haired, and blue-eyed. I always stuck out and was stared at. My hair has naturally changed colors several times over the years, but the height and blue eyes are still noticeable here. No one ever mistakes me for a Japanese. Even when I'm in America I'm what's called a hidden immigrant. I look like I should fit in but have lived so many years overseas I'm always a bit on the edge of understanding what's going on.

That not-quite-belongingness is really a blessing. My residency here on earth is temporary. It's so easy to get caught up in how I fit in or don't fit in here on earth. But in my heart of hearts I know it's really my eternal ID that counts. My most important identity is as a child of God. I love that. I want to "fix my thoughts on Jesus" (Heb. 3:1) while I continue being an alien in this world...whether it's what that little card I always carry with me says or doesn't say.

When Does Monopoly End?

Recently I got in some grandma practice. I had two kids over to our house and I taught them how to play Monopoly. After they seemed like they had the hang of it, I went into the kitchen to make supper. Some time into the game came the mournful question, "When does Monopoly end?" Ut oh. I forgot to mention that important point. Monopoly does go on and on...like stroke recovery, my to-do lists and, let's face it, sometimes spiritual growth. It's a temptation to lose sight of the overall picture unless we intentionally take notice.

I'm frequently asked how Russ is doing. I'm never quite sure how to answer. Compared to what point do you want to know? He's made remarkable progress since the spring of 2006 when he had a massive stroke and fought for his life. Compared to most other people, he's remarkably content in spite of his many limitations. Compared to this past winter? Though very gradually losing strength, we've had these three victories:
• he fell twice, but was not seriously injured
• he answered the phone in Japanese and was able to arrange for maintenance on some mobility aids without my help (He does not want me to remember this accomplishment next time he needs a phone call made. Smile.)
• when I asked him to say the books of the New Testament to me for speech and cognitive practice, he said he'd go a step further and say them backwards. He did it!

No doubt, like you, my to-do lists feel endless. Over the summer I'm working on reorganizing resources in the SSS office where I work. In July I'll have two summer worker to help me. I'm excited with how things are shaping up!

In order to effectively minister to others, our own faith journeys need careful attention. I'm grateful for daily encouragement from the Bible verses and thoughts from the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I'm being challenged by reading aloud to Russ Christian Counter Culture by John Stott. At the international church we attend, our pastor is giving a thought-provoking series on the Sermon on the Mount. All these things together both encourage me and make me thirsty for more and more of Jesus.

Endless isn't always bad. Enjoy the seemingly endless journey of growing. It's worth the struggle.

Unapproachable Light

This morning as I was reading in I Timothy 6:16 about God "who lives in inapproachable light," sunlight came streaming in through the window enveloping my Bible and notebook. My mind quickly reverted to the total solar eclipse Tokyo experienced last Monday. Thanks God for the special effects. I get it. You're awesome!