* The Re-Realizing of a Realization *

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” * Jeremiah 29:14 *

* A street nearby where vendors set up their stalls and sell their goods*
* A great place to get produce for cheap! *

It always hits me when I’m riding my bike.  Ok, that’s probably poor wording considering ‘hit’ and ‘bike’ are in the same sentence, but bear with me.  Yesterday I was leaving work and heading downtown when the all too familiar wave of disbelief, mixed with awe and gratitude, washed over me as I surveyed my surroundings, re-realized that I was in Japan, and got giggly with excitement:  I’m living the dream!

* Haha - this is my bike.  In Japan, it's called a Mama Chariot (or mamachari) *

I’m wondering if this happens because I’m having a hard time believing that I’m actually here.  For years I had been dreaming, wishing, praying with all my might that I could one day come to Japan – and now it’s here.  I will admit that sometimes it’s easy to forget (as I often do) that I’m in Japan because most of the day I’m surrounded by people who can speak English, even if it’s only a little.  A couple days ago I went across the street to the convenience store and was taken aback when the cashier started speaking to me in Japanese.  Then I re-realized where I was - and smiled.

* The park right next to our apartment building *

Yes, I feel like I’m living in a dream and my greatest fear is that I’ll wake up and find that my students, colleagues, and experiences were all illusions.  It’s at times like that when I remember that this whole thing is totally possible, and what once was a dream is now reality and a very special gift.  God had a plan for me, and that plan goes far beyond this time and place. 

* Friends & Glee - this is quickly becoming a tradition! *

If there’s one thing that I take from these daily re-realizations it is this: DREAM BIG!  In junior high, I never thought I’d be here, yet here I am.  The dreaming doesn’t stop here.  I will continue to dream of the seemingly impossible, knowing that it is just the opposite.  I will never settle for anything less than the impossible.  For I have asked for what I thought was impossible, I sought it with all my heart, and although at the time a door was slammed in my face, God graciously and knowingly gave me the key to a different, better, and brighter future.

* SAKURA *

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”  * Luke 11:9-10 *

* Mighty Chapel Fortress Homily *

Yesterday was a day of epic proportion – I gave my very first chapel message at school for the entire student, faculty, and staff body.  As I sat in the front of the chapel with my English Department translator, I smiled as we sang (to my surprise and excitement) A Mighty Fortress is Our God.  The chaplain read Isaiah 66:13, after which, it was my turn:

*Preaching in Luther's Chapel*

“Yesterday was Mother’s Day; I hope you all remembered.  It’s a special day on which we celebrate our mothers and give thanks for all that they do for us.  Our mothers are people with whom we have a special bond that begins before we are born.  Without our mothers, we wouldn’t have even lasted the first nine months.  Seeing as yesterday was Mother’s Day, I would like to tell you a bit about my mom.

My mom and I are very close, as many mothers and children are, but it wasn’t always like that.  Growing up, I didn’t always appreciate her, especially when she would steal clothes from my closet, make me wash the dishes, or scold me for fighting with my brother and sister.  However, I’ve come to appreciate her and all that she does for me as well as all that she does for others. 

In growing up, I’ve realized that the times when I thought she was being mean or unfair were the times when she was looking out for me and loving me the most.  She is a nurturer and a comforter.  She is constantly supporting me and giving me strength.  She helps me to distinguish right from wrong and offers guidance to me when I’m lost.  She’s my mom, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one!

God also takes on the role of mother.  God nurtures and comforts us, protects and guides us.  God is a rock, a foundation for living, and God supports us and strengthens us daily.  God helps us identify right from wrong and guides us when we’re lost.  And I will admit that I get lost a lot.  God is our God, and we are God’s children. 

I know it’s more common to hear about God as Father, but I think it’s important to think about the maternal side of God as well.  Someone with whom we have a bond that is unlike any other bond or relationship.  This bond started before we were born and will continue long after we die.  God loves us as mothers love their children, but with an even greater love.  Let us rest in the assurance of God’s unconditional love.

Let us pray:  Nurturing and comforting God, we thank you for the gift of mothers and for the unconditional love they show us.  Thank you also for your undeserved, unconditional love that guides, supports, comforts, and encourages us throughout this life.  In your Son’s holy and precious name we pray.  Amen.”