In the World, but Not of the World
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” ~ Philippians 3:19-21 (ESV).
As you know I lived the first 30 years of my earthly life in Germany. I grew up in a country with a rich history (yeah, I know some really dark one too, but which country doesn’t have dark parts in their history?). Anyway, I grew up in a divided country, which was reunited on October 3rd, 1990…
I am sorry to say that it didn’t mean much to me that Germany was reunited. For one thing, I was blessed to grow up in the Western part; the free part. We had great schools, I got a good education (my parents insisted on that). I was also blessed to grow up in a nurturing environment. One dark part though, growing up in the late 60’s to mid 80’s was that we, pretty much on a daily basis, had terrorist attacks. Either groups within (yeah Germany had terrorist cells – just don’t remember why they blew things up), the IRA, the Basque Separatist, and the Sicilian Mafia. But you know, you adjust to that. You just accept it…
Even though with all the challenges growing up, I love my country. And to be honest with you, my friends, I would go back in a heartbeat. I miss the European way of living. I miss the street side cafes, the Biergardens, the festivals…the shopping. The whole nine yards…And of course, I miss my family. I don’t have the chance to spoil my niece and nephew; I can’t hug my mom or sister when they are going through a hard time. Some days that makes me sad. I miss hopping on the train and be in a few hours in a different country like Italy, Spain or France.
Many times I have asked myself, why in the world God planted us here in the US, especially Arizona. I think for one thing, He brought us here to bring me back to a close relationship with Him. On the other hand, God wanted to make it clear to me, that no matter where I live, it is not home. We have our home in heaven and if we get to comfortable in the places we live and we love, we would forget all about heaven…
You see, no matter which nationality we have, which earthly citizenship we claim to be ours, we defiantly have a dual citizenship…One with the seal of our country and the other with the seal of God, who claimed us to be His citizen by the blood of Christ…
Do I miss living in Germany? Of course…Am I content where I live now? Certainly! Because I know it is by the hand of God.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. I thank you that You guide my life, no matter where I live here on earth. Lord, I want to be Your hands and feet; to encourage and to be a witness to Your grace and mercy for the rest of my days. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.
Loved your post today. I know you miss home and what wonderful things offered there that you cannot get here. But like you said, this is not our home. We are just passing through.
A precious reminder, Iris, of how we should cherish the experiences and heritage that has made us who we are. We really are his workmanship. In the challenges and separations,we can understand how God must long to fellowship more intimately with us in the times ahead.