Hey Gang,
Today will be a lighter post allowing for all of us to digest the heavy commentary I scribed yesterday. In some ways, today mirrors the hope instilled by the Masibumbane Mission, community togetherness in the maw of socio-economic unrest. Today was one of those days that is needed to replenish the soul and a reminder of how good God can be to us. Pietermaritzburg roared to life this morning in celebration of the annual Comrades Marathon. Over 25,000 people signed up to run a distance spanning some 90 km from Durban to the finish area a mere mile from the seminary flats. When I say the city turned out, it turned out. Roads were shut down and barricades erected to divide the onslaught of fans cheering on a multitude of runners as they neared the end of their lengthy jogging endeavors. I myself am not a jogger. Running or fast moment of any kind is not a mental disposition I possess. Unless of course edibles are involved, but, that is an entirely different ramble altogether. I attended the event with our married seminary friends, John and Carmen, as well as my compatriot and all around good fella Daniel. It was a cool sunny day, much better than South Africa's portrayal of Antarctica earlier in the week. That had been an Oscar worthy performance. In many ways the atmosphere reminded me of the rodeo hoo-hah back in the States. To avoid being marked as a tourist I often use the slang prevalent in the area, so if you desire to sound sophisticated look no farther than referring to our patriotic homeland as the States.
I know many of you didn't come to read a blog based solely on physical exercise. The reason being that thinking of a gentle cool breeze blowing across your neck as beads of sweat start to moisten your shirt can only lead to one thing, food. That is right. The marathon came complete with low priced highly authentic wonderful goodness in the form of the food tent area. I was thrilled to finally arrive. Being hungry in the midst of options makes life very challenging. I felt like Frogger trying to navigate chicken wraps marinated in authentic Indian spices and heat seeking foot long sausage dogs. Inevitably, the sausage dogs won, culminating in a brat induced euphoria. Hot dogs here are of far superior quality and cheaper price than back home. South Africans take their dogs seriously, as it where. They also incorporate spices into every wiener, which when combined with some familiar "tomato" sauce, makes for one heck of an experience. Food comes early and often here always greeted by a smile and napkin firmly tucked under my chin. I already dread leaving this new found love behind when I head home.
Beyond gorging myself, I found today a needed respite. The first week's exposure to several intimidating social issues left me little time to work and process through how I felt. Today, as we strolled through the streets taking in the sights of a thriving community atmosphere, I felt at peace and relaxed. I still don't have all the answers. Best for world I am sure that no one is leaving me in charge. Yet, genuine joy filled the streets and with happiness comes hope. Hope, that despite the conditions of yesterday the now can be more real and wonderful than any future. Not that we don't work towards a better tomorrow. We must as community grounded in love and the message of the Cross. The future however, should never take away from the blessings of today and revelation of God's majesty in the here and now.
Matthew 6:31-34
"31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Leave it up to Christ to say wise words on enjoying the pleasures of the now balanced with the concerns of what is to come. I couldn't have said it better myself.
Until next time,
Jamison
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