We all have them - hitting Starbucks on the way to work, brushing our teeth at night before going to bed, putting the kids' lunch boxes in the same place each morning to be filled for school, etc. I just realized the other day I was finally getting comfortable in this new "home", probably mostly because the rituals (or patterns) were finally falling into place. I have figured out how to make it through the day with one shower in the house instead of two, how to live in an upstairs unit, how to connect to the internet whether here at home or at the training classroom, and how to get all of us out the door in the morning together (ok, that one is a ritual still under modification...).
This next month will throw rituals to the wind, so to speak. We are entering a time of discernment, to seek God's design and plans for the Ens Family as we pursue missions. When we came to Canada in September, I would admit we had our own plans for where we were headed. However, God has been speaking to both Melissa and I that we need to allow Him to make the plans, and have us join Him in that place. Through the middle of November, we will be meeting with the leadership here at MBMSI to pray through and discuss this idea, along with input from friends in Fresno and elsewhere.
Last week, we spent some great time in two sessions, one on personality styles, and the other on setting a personal purpose, values, and vision, ending in a personal calling statement. A lot to absorb in one week! But again, like caving last week, it was very good, and very helpful as we approach the big decision in these next weeks of where our new home and rituals will end up.
I like rituals. They do give me comfort. I like that Starbucks is the same here in Abbotsford as it is in Fresno, or Washington DC, or Seattle, or Taiwan. I can walk up, order a cup of coffee, and it will be pretty much the same (although today they let me put the lid on, which was by the creamer - that was different...). It is easier to live life, especially with a family, with settled-in, established, verified and confirmed, don't-rock-the-boat rituals. But for the next few years, I am guessing rituals will need to be re-established several times, in several places for the Ens family. Nice thing is I have seen God work through a number of situations to get us here, so I know this is where we are supposed to be. I can handle a lack of rituals with that knowledge, and for those many signs, I am grateful.
Lowell
P.S. - Mikaela and I had a great time today out "paseando". It has been really good to have more time with kids than I have for the past few years. We visited Westminster Abbey in Mission, BC., and saw this view from the top of the hill that I thought I would share:
That is Mount Baker in the background, located in Washington State. Pretty cool day.
