Speed Bump Ahead

Life has been intense.  Looking back over the last year or two, our family's life had been on high speed with no sign of slowing down.  Just a couple of days ago, one if my teenagers asked me if I thought that God was giving us Rwanda as a speed bump?  A speed bump?  Didn't see that question coming!  I instantly thought of the speed bumps in Mexico.  They were present on the major higways, signs warned of them and if you didn't slow right down to cross them, you could get hurt.  These bumps are placed deliberately to get your attention to slow down in order to protect yourself and others around you.  

So, taking the question deeper, are speed bumps positive or negative?  My first instinct was to get defensive and question the very concept of a speed bump (and yes, I did question my teen on this).  A speed bump is not a roadblock, forcing you to change directions, instead, it is a warning to slow down--immediately. Slowing down for the sake of others and yourself is a benefit to you!  

So how can Rwanda be a speedbump?  First of all, it shifts our focus.  Instead of our family goals being divided, we are streamlined and focused on one common goal.  True, our job descriptions may very, but overall, we are on the same page, heading in the same direction, focused in thought and prayer and even walking a parallel journey.  This shift alone has enabled us to be less scattered and distracted.  We are discovering the joy in working and serving together.

Secondly, a focus on Rwanda includes giving up distractions.  The distractions can be "good (work, school, even too much involvement in church)-- but if they rob us of having the time to listen to God, connect and grow as an individual or as a family, maybe it's too much.  Busyness does not equal productivity or spirituality.  

Thirdly, Rwanda will give us an opportunity to let go of our North American distractions and learn to appreciate what is truly valuable in life.  For all that a developed nation has to offer, there are some beautiful traits that we can end up missing out on.  Quantity often replaces quality and rushing can squeeze out relationship.  The never-ending push to excel or reach the next level can trample dreams and crush hearts.  For our family, specifically, this will be a gift of two years to invest and grow as a family, while experiencing the joys, sorrows, challenges and miracles of an overseas mission.  

We leave with five children and return with two adults.  So, to have this speedbump forcing us to slow down will be an incredible opportunity and gift.  The time spent as a family will build connections, deepen relationships and allow our roots to stretch down deep as our family grows through this experience together.