Arrival in Switzerland

I've arrived in Switzerland for my extended stay (furlough) of 6 months. (I will be in Seattle for Christmas and most of January.) I wandered around downtown Bern and I think I put on 10 pounds just looking at all the pastries, cheesecakes and chocolates. They all looked delicious and incredibly fattening! I wish I still had the metabolism I had in high school!

It actually was a little overwhelming even though I love being in a big city. I love the energy, options and so many sites, sounds and smells bombarding the senses. To get "centered" a bit I went to Starbucks and I thoroughly enjoyed my caramel macchiato! Probably the prices, most of all, are the most unsettling and overwhelming. They don't even begin to compare with Polish prices! Before when I was in Switzerland it was for a vacation or a conference of a very short duration so I could splurge some and just enjoy it. Now that's changed and my perspective as well.

I'm so glad to be staying with a family outside of Bern (5 miles). Here is the best of both worlds. I can choose to go into the city, only a 15 minute bus ride, or take a walk and enjoy a view of the mountains. That doesn't cost a thing and is valuable beyond price. Plus, "the girls" - Dorothea (mom), Annina (11), Laura (9), Kayla (6) and I played a game after dinner today. Playing games in a family of this age is not what I get to do normally so that too was fun.

Sundays

Sunday, it’s a good day. I love Sundays. Perhaps the only thing I don’t like is getting up at 7am. I am not much of a morning person. So although I don’t like getting up that early, if I don’t, then I don’t have enough time to “wrap my mind around” the meeting at 10:30. Our group that meets on Sunday is like family to me. And I feel privileged that they want me to share something of what I’ve learned in my relationship with God.
After I return home, about 1pm, then the whole day stretches before me – completely free. It’s the only time of the week where I put absolutely no pressure on myself to “be productive” somehow. I’m not saying that I’m working all the rest of the time through the week! I often decide it’s time to stop and then I watch a movie or read or something. Or I procrastinate like everyone else. But I love Sundays!

Daily Decisions

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. Psalm 31:14, 15 NLT

Yesterday was a tough day. My computer wasn’t working properly. I was uninspired while trying to write a long overdue newsletter. Everything seemed a great effort to do. Emotions were at a low level.
Today has started off better with a bit more drive and energy. I was actually reading Psalm 34 today but the 2 verses above, from Ps. 31, caught my eye. They seem to sum up my position these days. I feel a little lost about the future but am so thankful that it is in God’s hands. And I decide again and again to trust him. The enemies the verse talks about, for me, are the enemies within. My emotions can really be out of whack these days, too often for my liking, maybe it’s the age. In any case, I fight discouragement, undesirability, and listlessness, for example. Guarding my heart is essential as it is the wellspring of life – Prov. 4:23.
Please know that I have good days too!! And generally speaking, I’m so thankful for the life God has given me. My new “family” here in Poland gives me much joy and comfort.
I’m very glad today is a new day! And I can make good decisions for guarding my heart.