Practice Makes, um… well, Better
If you read my last post, you know that after six years, I am moving back to the United States. I’m filled with mixed emotions as I try to sort through what this means for my life and retirement plan. I’ve moved into that pensive, reflective mode; everything I do here may be “the last time.” This may be my last trip to the mountains here, my last coffee with these friends, my last night to be rudely awaken at all hours of the night by the sounds of drunken teenagers on the balcony and and garbage trucks on the street.
As I reflect on all that I’ve learned and on all of the ways I’ve changed, it occurs to me that I’m better at some things than I was when I came. I’m a better conversationalist, for one. For all the hours and hours of hanging out with friends in smoky bars, I can pretty much talk about anything with anyone.
I’ve become a lot more patient. You’ve got to be when navigating the bureaucratic systems of socialist Western Europe. I’m more understanding of the plight of the immigrant for having been one myself. I recycle. I read the newspaper. I frequent mom-and-pop shops (when I can find them) even when there’s a Starbucks next-door.
I’ve grown to be better at spiritual things as well. I can talk about my faith much more naturally than before, and avoid using Christian clichés. In relationships, I’m no longer so overwhelmed by a person’s blatant sin that I cannot love him. I have come to know the maintaining power of ongoing conversational prayer throughout the day. I read my Bible because I’m convinced of my need to hear the gospel (which builds faith), not just because a good missionary ought to. People who think differently than I do don’t seem as ignorant, and people who do things differently don’t seem as wrong. I’m a better citizen, a better friend, and, hopefully, a better example of what it’s like to have life in Christ.
Unless writing a lot makes one a "writer," Ernest is an unemployed former missionary. After more than six years in Western Europe, he is moving to Portland, where he drinks too much coffee and over-analyzes human behavior. For more about Ernest, visit the About page where you can read a long-time reader's interview with him. Or, if you don't mind waiting a very, very long time, send him an email.
May 4th 2008
I just found your blog a couple weeks ago and am hooked. Now I see that you are leaving, I hope you will continue your blog and give us your insights on “real” life. It could be very useful in SO many ways to SO many people. Please.
May 4th 2008
Hey Man,
I just wanted to recommend a book to you. It’s called “The Art of Coming Home”. It sat on our shelf for 3-4 months after we returned to the states then I was having a really bad week and I picked it up. It was like someone had peered into my life. It is helpful on the dark and difficult days.
Blessings,
Matt
May 4th 2008
You’ll be missed. I’ve enjoyed your blog and hearing about work in your neck of the woods. May the Lord bless you as you follow Him to a new area of service. I’ll be praying for you. It will be a big transition.
We’ve had several in our neck of the woods, also head home.
Blessings,
May 5th 2008
sounds like your time in europe was a success, then.
never let go of this truth: you were called to freedom. the gospel is not and never will be, a duty or drudgery. if it becomes that, something is wrong. that’s when you know its time to leave the ministry.
watchman
May 5th 2008
While I do appreciate what you’ve written here and the overall message, I did particularly enjoy the part about ‘rudely awaken at all hours of the night by the sounds of drunken teenagers on the balcony and and garbage trucks on the street.’ You mean that’s not just our ‘hood?
May 7th 2008
Holy cow! I skip a few weeks of reading and —WammO— I didn’t expect this. You have done an amazing job there. God sent you for a reason. I know that leaders now look at the entire potential of the team in a different way because of what you allowed God to do through you there. I must tell you—I still ache because I am not there. I wonder if I will ever feel at home? Anyway….Keep blogging buddy! I love to hear your thoughts.
B