[Using the illustration of driving] I like the availability of making a u-turn (to turn back in the opposite direction you're traveling), but I don’t like making them.
Number one: It feels like I got lost or don’t know where I’m going.
Number two: Maybe I wasn’t paying attention and missed the turn.
In either case, it's humbling. Presently, our turn signal is on, we’re in the left-hand turn lane getting ready to make make our u-turn. And our intention is that soon we will head back in the same direction we’re going.
Our u-turn.
Last week we purchased tickets to head back to the States. Specifically, the end of January with return tickets for Ethiopia in April.
The short summary: our visas are expiring, and the documentation required for our work permits/residency was not approved so we are not able to apply. Furthermore, we can only apply for a visa renewal from our country of citizenship (in our case, the US). Honestly, I didn’t want to go back at this point for a variety of reasons, but His will is pretty clear. So our u-turn is heading back and waiting. We know He is in control. The "how we know" is connected to Christmas.
Lesson: What do Christmas and U-turns have to do with each other?
Remembering Jesus is a great thing. It gives us perspective in those times when things seem great and also those times when things seem lousy… because He’s always great. So, in preparing to celebrate the birth of our Savior (Christmas), the reminder of His birth story has helped me with this unexpected direction.
Reminder #1: Joseph and Mary.
Joseph and Mary were obedient. We might say, if I had some angels visit me or some crazy dreams like Joseph and Mary did, I would totally be obedient. That may or may not be true. The very simple truth is, they followed directions. Ranging from the name of the baby to where and when they would go. This path wasn’t smooth and easy. They would be led down a path trodden with inconveniences, danger, poverty, and homelessness. They would be led from Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth. They would be led from times with animals to times with shepherds to times with kings/wise men.
Reminder #2: In the midst of it all was the coming baby Messiah.
Sure, they did this out of obedience. But ultimately they did this because of Jesus. Wherever they went, and in whatever circumstance they were in they had the assurance of the presence and purpose(s) of God. He was the reason for their season of vagabond living. He was worth it.
This season, these reminders have helped my perspective. The Lord is leading our family through turns because, like Joseph and Mary, that’s how He’s chosen to do so. Furthermore, He's chosen to be with us wherever we are and in whatever state we are in. I ne'er (did I just use that word?) grow tired of this reassurance. And when it's all said-and-done these direction changes aren’t so bad when I’m in the passenger’s seat. :)
Real life started with a u-turn to Christ. And just like the Christmas account, Jesus is the center of the story. Let’s choose to celebrate Jesus this season, rather than the position we are presently in and/or the direction we may be headed, or wish we were headed (whether positionally high or low, in a straightway or curve, on a bumpy path or smooth one, going fast or slow)...
Immanuel… God with us.
Merry Christmas.
All the best in Jesus,
Shaun... Megan, Jude & Sonya
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