"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer"  ~ Romans 12:12

 


 

 

Returning to Tenerife, Spain on 29 July 2022

Returning to the Global Mercy ship, after my month stay in USA, felt bittersweet. I stay steadfast in my commitment to Mercy Ships and look forward to new experiences. But I will deeply miss my family, friends, and familiar community activities. Life is a series of leaving and beginning events. I realize the importance of listening to Paul's words in Romans 12:12 telling me, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. This verse helps me to emotionally prepare for transitions.

I returned to Minnesota to attend my father's Memorial Service. My father created numerous opportunities for the family to gather during his lifetime. During the Memorial Service, my sister and I spoke about the meaningful memories. As children we hold important memories of growing up. Then we built more memories during the years of raising our children. These play times continued as the next generation joined the family. My father has 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. There was a joyfulness when celebrating my father's life in the midst of family members and friends. We were able to be joyful in hope.

During my father's Memorial Service, the funny and joyful memories were memorialized. Yet, there was a lingering sorrow. The sadness which occurs when saying goodbye to a father will always be known. It was a time to be patient with afflictions. I believe sorrow and joy define life, define wisdom. Wisdom has been described as a blending of loss/sorrow with gratitude/joy. Life is a series of goodbyes - the feeling of endings, and learning how to greet tomorrow as a beginning. Being faithful in prayer provided strength and understanding of God's plan. My faith tells me it takes both tears and smiles to fully understand life. The wisdom from prayerfully understanding tears and smiles brings hope.

My time away from the Global Mercy ship involved many hellos and goodbyes. I terminated my work as a psychologist after 22 years at the same clinic. I gathered with family to remember my father. I got together with friends to share time but also say goodbye again. I began to think a lot about transitions. My current life season involves leaving familiar circumstances and community to venture into new beginnings. I thought about the many changes during life starting with birth.

Birth is leaving the comforts of a mother's womb, and entering the brighter and louder world. Then going to school launched me into a broader world away from the family home. Next adulthood starts the independent journey to build strength and wisdom. Now in my third trimester of life, I set sail for another adventure. I believe the challenges of life can fortify my resilience and promote feelings of integrity with the help of God's grace. This grace creates an opportunity to build wisdom and know blessings. I believe God creates opportunities during the times of transitions.

May we go forth Being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.



El Medano is a sea side village near the Global Mercy ship port. 



Dinner in El Medano, Tenerife with a fellow Member Care crew.



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