It Comes With the Territory

This is Mark, making a rare appearance on the blog.

When you decide to serve in a foreign country, you know that there will be sacrifices to make. You know that life will not be the same on many levels, not only a different language perhaps, different food, water and customs but you also know that for many of us, we will not be there at home for certain things. We miss seeing those first steps of our younger relatives and friends' children, graduations, maybe weddings, baptisms and other such milestones. But, as we say, it comes with the territory. It isn't always a total sacrifice, I suppose, thanks to the internet and Skype and other video connections. In many ways we can almost be there by way of these technological advances. They often serve as your link to family and friends. But, sometimes they can be sadly lacking. After all, nothing is like the real thing. So, when my mother passed away last Sunday night after having suffered several years from Alzheimer's disease, I guess it hit home like no other thing that I have missed during the years. Travel there was impeded by financial limitations, the worst snow and ice storms that Texas has seen in many years, not to mention the fact that, for the first time the Superbowl is going to be in Dallas which would have made tickets a valuable commodity especially since hundreds and hundreds of those flights have been cancelled because of the same storms. But as it is in life, it comes with the territory. You do without some things. The difference is, however, that we are Jehovah's people. We know that death is not some stepping stone to the afterlife, at least, not for most. We know that death's sting has been defeated. Our hope is certain. We have no doubt. Of course, we are human and so in spite of our logic in the matter and the fact that death is NOT natural. We do hurt. It isn't easy or joyful. But we also know that time is a great healer in conjunction with our faith. And perhaps one of the most vivid blessings we have is that, no matter where in the world we may be serving, we are with family. Our family here has shown such an outpouring of love and support that we realized once again that we are not without family. The Kelly's invited us to be at their home during the video link to see the memorial service. When they heard about it, several other brothers and sisters expressed a desire to be present as well even though they won't understand the language. But they want to be there to show us who our family really is. So, if you are serving in a foreign field or thinking about doing so. Never forget that we are all foreigners serving in a foreign land. This system of things. We look forward to the day we serve in the one true kingdom. And remember that your spiritual family is comprised of the finest living people on the planet. And by the way...that comes with the territory too.

Mark