Packed Wine Glasses

I wrote this back in July of 2009 and never posted it. I thought I would put it up there now, because it is still relevant.

Phil, always gifted at coming up with witty analogies,  rightly described our situation the other day. He said the two of us are like wine glasses packed in a box. Up until 6 weeks ago, we were neatly packed in the box with lots of paper, very protected from being broken. But now, having left our home, fairly regular routines, and a wonderful support network of friends and family, we are like wine glasses in a box without all the protective padding. All the decisions and pressures of moving, buying a house, and helping the kids get settled in,  are like heavy boxes being stacked on our wine glass box! AHHH! We might just break into a million pieces! Maybe that is why he and I feel particularly edgy and likely to fall back into bad habits these days.

I now know how vulnerable missionaries become when they get out on the field and how essential it is that they are grounded in Christ and are working together as a couple. There is no more "padding" of familiarity and routine once they are finally where they are called to be. Even the physical conveniences are often gone causing stress.

So Phil and I  are shoring up our "box" these days to make sure we don't break! That has included getting back to regular times with God in His Word, calling our close friends for prayer support and encouragement (and sometimes a kick in the pants), and Bible time and prayer with the kids, and making a point to express our feelings and needs to one another. In Tucson, God provided much "padding"  to help us be strong and to protect us. Those provisions  were needed and helpful and really taught us how to take care of ourselves. Now is the time to put those lessons into action!