A window barely open--thoughts on our month at Windy Gap

Not sure why leaving a month like Windy Gap creates such a hole in the heart; in the soul. Is it the friendships? Is it the tireless work? Is it the work alongside of friends? Is it what we had the chance to see and hear and touch? Is it the rhythm that the assignment life creates? Is it the chance we had to live a different life? Is it the freedom given by the lack of cell phones, iPods, and TV’s? Is it lack of knowledge or concern for world affairs and events? Is it the realization that all that stuff matters so little?

Is it the simplicity of task and of purpose; each person doing their part with all their heart as if doing it for Jesus? It is an orchestra; every person playing their part, putting it all together to form a perfectly sounding piece of music; a perfect piece of art; a masterpiece, painted by Jesus with colors that leave you breathless. It is a story written by the greatest of all writers in which we are allowed to play a part.

Our month at Windy Gap was a window barely opened; opened enough to let in the smell of another land. Opened enough to let the sounds and smells of a far country; a distant land slightly slip in. And in the glimpse-- in the smell of that distant land our hearts leap, because it is familiar, though we have never seen it or been there. It’s the smell and sounds and flashes of home. We are reminded that this world is not our home. We are looking for another eternal city yet to come. (Heb 13:14)

So as you enter back into a distant land; as you have been driven back out into the world; into the wilderness, I know that your heart longs for home. Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s house. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be where I am and you will be together forever. And you know how to get there: follow me; stay close; cling to me, watch closely. I am the way. I will lead you to what is true. I will give you the life that you need and want. I AM. I am all of these things.

Until then you are the light of the world; the salt of the earth. Go and proclaim what you have seen and heard. Tell the story. Lead people back to this place. Let them know that it exists.

Also, remind each other about these things you have seen and heard. Remember! Do not forget all that has played out in front of you. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Remember the wonders he has performed.

Until then, as you wander in a foreign land, be reminded that this is not your home. You are heirs of a kingdom. You will be together forever. You are family.