Thoughts from afar...a journal entry from my recent trip to Nepal.
Looking out over this city, from the safety and security of the balcony of this guest house...a place most passing by below would consider 'luxurious'. (Let me clarify...available hot water and consistent electricity would be good qualifiers for 'luxurious accomodations' for most of us...too bad this place doesn't agree)
Yet, sitting here, I seem somehow 'removed'...disconnected. It is like I have access to the 'riches' while those below continuously go through the motions of daily life, trying to fing their way. Most of them, not even daring to hope for more...most likely just trying to survive the day or this week...
Then I look out again and see the largest Buddhist temple rising above the city and wonder what, if any, hope is available to those gathering there. Lighting butter candles, spinning prayer wheels, circling the stupa while repeating 'prayers' or mantras or mediatations...hoping somehow the breeze might lift their prayers from the colored prayer flags while clanging gongs and bells attempting to 'awaken' or gain the attention of the 'diety' they seek to appease...
They are...going through the motions.
But I have access to riches far beyond the 'luxury' of this guest house. I have direct access to The King of Heaven! Through Christ's death...and resurrection, I have hope! I too may die...to self, and only then...truly live. I have the hope they are so desperately searching for.
They will likely contonue going through the motions of a 'normal' day...the question is...will I?
Eternity weighs in the balance of that decision.
You don't have to be in South Asia to see the lostness of people who are living, and dying...without the hope of the living, loving Christ. You don't have to be Bhuddist to simply be going through the motions of 'religion'. I expect many who gathered in churches like mine and your's yesterday have little more 'hope' than those circling the stupa once again this morning...
May we resolve to live this day on mission! Seeking to fulfill Jesus' command to be His witnesses in our homes, nation...and to the ends of the earth!
God, break our hearts for the things that break Your's...
Rambling thoughts from the journey...of life-
brian
