“…In a way this is our calling. To be redeemed and set afoot into the forrest of the world.” – Victor Hugo
So two things before I begin:
1) I have been reading Les Misérables.
2) I flew into New York City on Monday.
On one of my (several – thanks Irene!) flights to get here I read the above quote. I don’t know if I’ve ever been hit quite so hard by a piece of writing that isn’t scripture.
Of course, it’s obvious that Hugo has read a fair amount of scripture, so that probably was what empowered the blow I received. In fact, at this point in the story, I’m almost willing to call it a journal in narrative form over Hugo’s understanding of the Gospel.
All this to say, my year has been a forrest.
Iraq. Turkey. New Orleans. Oklahoma. Texas. New York City.
Never in my life have I done this much traveling.
I am doing my best to fully appreciate my circumstances, but I feel as if my appreciation pales in comparison to the truth of God’s graciousness in my circumstances. (Yeah, I know – this bit sounds like a previous post)
Now, from here I could walk you through a lot to get to a point, or I can just get to the point – so I will.
If I’ve learned anything about traveling from this last year it’s this: Love where you’re at, love the people and culture you’re a part of, and evidences of the Gospel will become alive in your life and the lives of the people around you. Even when you are not traveling, in fact especially when you are not traveling, as those are the people in whom you have most fully invested yourself for life.
But as for me now? I’m…
Loving New York City because this is where I am,
Ted




