Conversations II

Everyone in the world its experiencing Corona and the consequences that it brings. This should be something that binds us together, a common experience. But as with many things, it also has the possibility to divide us. It amazes me how often a conversation devolves into another complaining session or argument about corona rules and Covid-19 news. But more often this year we have also experienced conversations about the things that really matter. 

You see, there are always challenges, things happening in our lives that push us to the extreme or color the future dark gray. We can always find something to complain about, whether it is the latest political policy or election, the most recent natural disaster or the newest war-torn area of the world. I don’t mean to sound flippant or make light of these things. I am simply stating that we can always see gray, because there are always bad or difficult things happening in our lives. 

The question is not whether these things exist or will continue. The question is: how are we going to meet them? These are the conversations we have been hearing and sharing in these months of 2020. Of course a conversation often begins with the weather; we do after all live in Belgium and the Netherlands. There is a lot of weather to talk about. Then the discussion often moves to the gray matter - how difficult this year is, what is happening to me or my family, how can people cope. It is then that I try to remember the hope that I have and release that into the words circling between us. We have a real hope. We KNOW what is going to happen, how things are going to finish and who the winner is. And that knowledge and certainty gives us stability and peace. And people need peace; we all need peace in turbulent times. It is then that I am so thankful to know the Prince of peace. 

Our conversations through the summer were more often in person, but have now moved back partially online. But they continue. Every month H. and I discuss politics and peace. He has often mentioned that he envies that very peace that Christian can have. He wishes that he could have the same. “I would love to believe in God,” he says, “but God doesn’t exist.” I reminded him this month that this peace is indeed also for him. More recently I have had similar conversations with J. 

In other conversations we are looking at the word of God and what that means for our lives. We have been getting to know Jesus in the book of Luke with E. every Thursday. Why would Simon Peter fall at Jesus knees and say, “Go away from me, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5)? Who are we and how does God see us? Does that matter? J wonders what her identity is. If it is her work, then how does she deal with intrigue, lying and cheating, and general unethical behavior by others - often towards her? What if people do not see you as you think you should be seen? 

I am so very thankful for peace and hope that only come in Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers for us as we share conversations with the people around us. Sometimes it starts by talking about the walnuts that have fallen from the tree in our yard. Where will it go? We want to continue seeing the beauty and hope in each and every day. We want to keep seeing people as God sees them. 

What kinds of conversations have you been having lately? Let us know what has been going on in your life, how God has been using you in His kingdom and blessing you. 

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.   1 Peter 3:14-16