Now But Not Yet!

I had some nice conversations today; a couple from Halswell in the shop, the husband about 85 and still skiing. He has bad knees but is forgoing an operation because he been told he would have to give up skiing. He keeps active and has learnt to manage his pain. It made me think about how I handle misfortune, pain or the uncomfortable struggles in life. I have in the past allowed those situations to tie me up, I have let them make myself sit in a pool of self pity. Why me Lord or do bad things happen to good people? This man is enjoying life when it would be easy to moan, lie down, and feel bitter.

It reminds me of the passage in 2 Corin 6: 1-10 & James 1:2-4. Paul did not let the problems hold him back but continued to work for the kingdom. James also saw beyound the pain to joy that was his in Christ. It's beautiful to see but not always so easy to live.

Also talked with a young man from India now living in New Zealand, although away from his home he was enjoying his new life here. It was interesting that he still loved his old country but did not want to return, his home was now New Zealand. There are many situations where we hold in 'creative tensions' aspects of our life. Thinking about the kingdom reminds me of some of those tensions; the kingdom is now amongst us but is still to come. "He (Christ) inaugurated it (the kingdom) but did not bring it to its consummation. Like him, we are called to erect signs of God's ultimate reign- not more, but certainly not less either...once again God's reign will come, since it has already come." (Bosh)