Posted by john on August 12, 2002 at 21:04:57:
In Reply to: Re: reposting a buried thread for jeanie posted by jeannie on August 12, 2002 at 18:14:44:
: : : : : really enjoyed reading your comments. here's a couple things i try to remind myself of as frequently as possible when faced with things in our society you mentioned.
: : : : : 1. people are people, regardless of what time in history they live, what type of culture they live in, or what age they are. the reason i say this is because throughout history, we find the same characteristics over and over in people. christ dealt with all the same issues in people at the time he was here, they were just called by different names and titles. (i think it's EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to be aware of that)
: : : : : 2. there is a whole world out there, and everyone doesn't live or think like an american. i am really speaking in broad generalities here, but, for example, most europeans live quite simply in comparison to the way we do. they pretty much take one day at a time, are not as inhibited as we are, and approach life with more balance with respect to work, vacation time, family time, etc. it's interesting to experience different cultures around the world. it gives good perspective on living life.
: : : : yes, I used to think the whole world was as superficial as this country, but after travelling some, I am convinced it is a rather American trait. Of course other places have their problems, but it seems they have bee ndeveloping their particualr cultures for many hunreds of years longer than us and have figured out how to live together less offensivley. I hold out hope that America will come up to speed eventually. However I don't expect it in my lifetime.
: : : : I almost posted at the end ofthe original post, that expatriotism would suit me well for several reasons. 1. is that as a foreigner, I am distanced from the society to some extent and that allows me to look on it without feeling embarrassed or like I have to fix it. 2. not understanding all of the language allows me to ignore what would otherwise make me cringe. 3. I am no longer immediately pressed by the problem. My personality is much more pleasant and my psychosomatic (stress induced)disorders disappear all together. I feel that I become a much better person, far less angry and volatile.
: : : : I didn't post it because it seemed to veer from the initial tone of the post and it is often viewed as offensive to demean the country while staying in it. Which is my second reason for not posting it, I am stuck here by factors outside my control, and there is no point whining about it.
: : : Everybody feels "stuck" in one way or another so I don't want to beat you over the head for this.
: : : I did feel I should comment that the attitude of feeling "stuck here" is partially to blame for your disenchantment of American Culture, Gov., etc.
: : : Any time you start to view your circumstances this way you will be unhappy with them. I think this goes back to percieving that god has you in the right place at the right time. Sure this is not ideal and neither is any other country. You decide where you are stuck, your freedom is in Christ and you will be unstuck here whenever you allow yourself to take hold of that.
: : : Now, this goes for me, too. I feel "stuck" in my circumstances and I am responsible for those feelings, but those feelings have nothing to do with my actual circumstances. I can't find a better way to describe it at the moment. I bet you have a zen way of describing it!
: : : And, see, it goes for everyone else on this message board in one way or another. With Steve, he feels "stuck" with his overwhelming routine.
: : : And I think that sometimes, we do need to change our physical circumstances but it does begin inside, before anything else.
: : : I still believe God places the (holy) desires of your heart, and then wants to be the one to fufill them. However I also see us in situations that we are not entirely happy with and that is where the grace of God becomes sufficient, and if we latch onto that then maybe we can get to the place where we are content "irregardless" ; ) of where are circumstances place us.
: : : -kat
: : Well said. I agree. And I especially agree with the fact that feelings and actual circumstances are two separate issues. I would point out that this thread started with some stream of consciousness that I posted springing from Metal's dream. It wasn't intended to be a scrupulous introspective on my state or anything. I am fully aware that God has placed me here and in fact have counted my desire to move elsewhere as a sacrifice to Him. That doesn't change the fact that I FEEL dissillusioned and WANT to move elsewhere. But I try not to let it affect my behavior. Plus there are things i like here as well. This board is merely a place where these thoughts can be explored.
: : I know you knew this, but I wanted to clarify for those who may not know my intentions.
: thankx for digging this up! i agree with you both, especially the part on feelings and actual circumstances being two separate issues. i would say this is probably one of the most common problems we face. it's really an issue of trust in the lord and knowing the difference between happiness (momentary, based on circumstance) and joy which comes from god and is lasting. also, the lord tells us not to worry. worry is always based on circumstance, whether real or imagined. bert and i just spent the last week with his oldest brother, sister-in-law and their 6 children, ages 5 - 15. after observing the parents all week, i realized just how futile their worry was. it absolutely accomplished nothing for good, but we had a really good time in spite of it! jeannie
: p.s. where are you originally from, john?
Ocala, Florida, but I grew up in Tampa.