I went to America over the Christmas vacation for three whole weeks. I spent one in NYC for work. I wondered along the dirty subway, talked to old Jewish women who thought I was lying when I said I was African and traipsed myself and my heavy down jacket into coffee shops loaded with freshly cooked bagels and lightning fast wi-fi.
Then I went across to visit my best friend in a beautiful place where two cities became one, called the Twin Cities, Minnesota. It’s close to the border of Canada, as cold as cold could possibly be and very first world. On the day I arrived they had the coldest day in December in 20 years. Yup, if you walked outside you could get frost bite.
We watched Christmas movies, and snuggled by the fire with steaming hot chocolate. We took walks through the streets with Christmas lights adorning the stores and carols coming out of every speaker. I ate turkey, and chocolate ginger cookies, and walnuts and all the good things. It was a holiday and it was an adventure.
On the way back my flight stopped over in Istanbul, Turkey and I went out for the afternoon on a tour of the city. I was barely a human I was so jet lagged but I made friends with some hilarious and kind people from India and for one day we pretended we had known each other all of our life. We ran around historical monuments, ordered small cups of turkish coffee, took photos and compared lives. It reminded me of a time in my life when my occupation was essentially “traveller” and my friend group spanned 5 continents.
I loved being able to travel again. The thrill of it, the unexpected adventures and the new perspectives which are hidden in each flight ticket and new destination. If I look back at my year I can see how many times I got caught up in all my feelings. My feelings of frustration with boys, and dates which went badly and the seemingly impossible task of trying to find someone genuine, fun and caring to share your life with.
It’s a new year and again I’m presented with the overwhelming feeling which comes with the unseen. The unseen challenges and the unseen opportunities this year will hold. I don’t quite know yet but like most of us, I hope it’s a good one. We always pray and believe for something better, growth, establishment and fulfilment of dreams, but only when it is over can we look back and evaluate the highs, lows, and laughs.
It’s a new year and again I have to choose to have faith in God and a good plan. I’m not someone who believes your every step is placed in stone. I just know that God holds it, this life of mine, loosely yes, and with a great deal of care, yes, but he does hold it. In church they often say, “he holds you in the palm of his hand.” I can picture me, seated in a GIANT hand. Safe at last.
This year I want to say to you, chose flights and chose faith, NOT feelings. Life is big, bad and bold. It’s not easy for anyone and it’s not worth getting caught up on the ‘Nos’ and the disappointments. Stop thinking that your whole being is about finding a partner and instead go explore the world. See the children playing in the gutter in India. Met the elderly woman in London whose family never visits her. See the crashing waters of Victoria Falls and the snowy caps of the Austrian Alps and realise there is so much to see and so much to discover.
Don’t close your heart and shut tight your eyes to the God who made these things. Don’t start this new year in turmoil and heartache, but instead choose faith. Get up in the morning and declare the promises. Lay your head to rest and know that the maker of the stars holds plans for you. Don’t worry as much as you did. Catch flights and faith, not feelings.