2021 is past, but it will never really be behind us.
Especially for those who lost loved ones in 2021.
Those lives – fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends – created ripples of joy and pain, hope and despair – as they battled health conditions, grappled with the twists and turns of circumstances, and faced a global pandemic. They fought bravely.
As their loved ones now live with an ache that cannot be filled, the question remains, what is the legacy of a life?
This week Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving, a day for family and friends to get together, eat good food, and give thanks. Living in Australia, it’s been 7 years since I’ve had green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce or home-made pumpkin pie.
But while I don’t celebrate the holiday, I like to honour the spirit behind the day by reflecting back on the year and giving thanks for how God has blessed and worked in my life.
"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
It’s springtime in Melbourne. My weather app forecasts scattered showers for the next 6 days. I stare dismally at the boys’ shoes which are torn up with holes – they go through shoes faster than clothes or haircuts. I’ll have to pack extra socks for when their feet get wet.
Rain brings mixed emotions.
For some, rain means cold, dreary commutes with dripping umbrellas. For some, it means slippery sports conditions. For others, it means an invitation for hibernation.
But for farmers? Rain is an answer to prayer. It’s desperately needed for crops, livestocks, and livelihoods. Aussie farmers are anxiously watching the skies waiting for rain to come now.
"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
Traveling used to be fun. The first few times I flew, I felt so grown-up (I was 16-years-old) and privileged. Now, as a pregnant mother of a toddler, traveling is a necessary evil to reunite with my family in the USA.
I thought I was prepared. I had researched on Pinterest and made “toddler traveling packs” that included little games, new toys, and activities I thought would occupy my active 2.5-year-old for at least 5 hours out of the 44 hours in the air in the next 3 weeks.
I either underestimated how active my son truly is or overestimated how engaging my packs were. After a few hours, I was completely out of options and desperate to keep Micah in his seat. Fortunately, it was Roy’s turn to watch Micah and he pulled down a suitcase full of toys that I did not know Roy had packed after he had peeked at my packs. Unfortunately, he was not able to keep Micah entertained for more than a few hours, either.
By the sixth hour, I was praying for divine intervention. Despite having skipped his nap, Micah did not fall asleep until the 14th hour (about 1 am Melbourne time). Of course, we had to wake him up a few hours later to land in LA and transfer to our Seattle flight. I honestly wondered if I would survive the trip.
Sometimes, life can feel like one long exhausting plane ride. Your assigned seat is uncomfortable, you may not have likeable seat mates, and yes, there are turbulences along the way. There’s only so much entertainment can do to make the journey pleasant. Sometimes, life is just not what we thought it would be.
But what makes it worth it is the destination. Where are we headed? Why are we on the journey in the first place? Who’s waiting on the other side?
When we finally reached the baggage claim at the Seattle airport, Roy’s dad was waiting for us. Micah pointed and said, “Seattle grandpa!” Grandpa’s face was all smiles as he embraced Micah, Roy, then me. Seeing his elation is what will probably make me do this trip again, against my better judgment, in the future.
It’s been a pleasure spending time with my brother-in-law, his wife, and my nephews, one of whom is only two-weeks-old. I am not so fond of the two dogs that keep barking at us, but that’s a story for another time.
I can’t wait to see my parents and sister again in just 4 more days, after another plane ride. And in a few weeks I will be eager to return to Melbourne, to our home, friends, and church family.
So I will get on the next flight. I will book another itinerary. I will keep traveling, as long as I know that love is waiting for me at the end of the journey.
I hope that no matter how difficult life may get, that we will always remember that Love is waiting for us at the end of our journeys – He will be thrilled to see us, His wounded arms will be open wide for an embrace, and His words will be, “Welcome home.”
"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
