April 2, 1998

Mark 14: 1-31

E-mail from Hungary

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice and to do good in their lives." Ecclesiastes 3:11-12

Time and time again I am struck by the simplicity of beauty, and indeed, in the mere discovery of what "beauty" actually means. Living in a foreign culture where attempting to communicate and completing even the smallest of tasks is difficult, I have learned to appreciate God and his steady constant voice. A voice that can often be drowned out by the "normality" and rush of our lives. Not too long ago, I discovered raisins in a store close to my apartment-the crazy American I am almost had a breakdown from pure joy! When was the last time I thanked God for raisins??

Everyday I am here presents a challenge. Whether the challenge presents itself in simple daily living or in teaching a roomful of kids, I am continually reminded of my smallness and God's glory. This lesson has been hard. Where assurance once came in what I could do, or in the form of a comfortable daily routine, in what I considered "normal" -- having access to a phone, to a worship service in English, to a Coastal Mart big drink, to my family and my friends -- now assurance comes from the one true source, God. It is hard to let go of the control we enjoy when life is easy. However, when you strip away all of the trappings of life . . . God truly reveals himself in his finest beauty, beauty that we often see but take for granted.

* Amy Ryding is a Lutheran World Mission Volunteer serving one year in Hungary.

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Prayer: God, grant us each patience. None of us will ever see the completeness of your gifts from beginning to end. Help us to recognize each of the gifts you have given us, and the willingness to pass them on. Amen. [Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]