I'm reflecting back on the past 3 months (and how fast they've FLOWN by), and thinking of all the good things that have come out of it... too many to tell! I look forward to my trip back to the States on Saturday – returning to see family and friends for Christmas, the New Year, and my birthday, too! I will share some of the funny stories, the good times I shared with old friends, the memories from childhood, and the many things I learned during my internship here. I really think they're better told in person (otherwise I might as well just write a book). But I do want to mention one of the highlights from this time: a desire that I have had for many years, and have pursued in various ways, finally became a reality...
I GOT MY DUTCH PASSPORT!!!
Now the proud owner of 2 passports, I feel like my identity crisis has been somewhat solved... Not that I had major issues, but I've often struggled to articulate the answer to “where are you from?” Such a basic question, but I've long been confused. Now I know. I am from Amsterdam. I was born here, and now I have a Dutch passport. I am also very proud of my American heritage and passport, but it's certainly nice to be a citizen of the country you were born in! I smiled from ear to ear I think for at least a week straight, and when anyone mentions my newly discovered citizenship, I still jump for joy! People are constantly congratulating me, and it has been about a month... It's great!
Anyhow, as I was reading the Bible the other day, I came across several passages that got me thinking about this topic, too. Paul states that “our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20)” and suddenly it hit me: I've been SO excited about my Dutch citizenship because it opens up doors of opportunity, but when have I stopped to think about my heavenly citizenship?! I bought sweets and cookies, went out for special treats, and told everyone who would listen about my nationality in the Dutch system. My name is written in the Book of Life – that's far more exciting! I like what the Dutch translation says about our citizenship: it says that our citizens' rights are of a heavenly kingdom. I haven't ever stopped to ponder what the rights (and responsibilities) are of a citizen of heaven, but uhhhhh, it outweighs Holland's (although the rights here are pretty nice). Crazy. It's tickling my brain! Right now, since this whole process is so fresh to me, and so personal, I feel like I understand what Paul was saying... My true citizenship is in heaven; my true identity is based on what God says. That should radically change the way I live my life...
This world is not my home. I am one familiar with packing my bags, and getting rid of “stuff”. I watch most everyone around me in a frenzied rat race to buy more, get more, store more, and own more, and all the while, I keep trying to minimize my possessions... Pack light. It's all about perspective. I hadn't paid much attention before, but like I said, this topic has grown on me... In the Bible, in Hebrews 11, Abraham was said to be a foreigner and temporary resident on the earth, seeking a better land – one to come. He had the same perspective David did when he wrote “for I am a foreigner residing with You, a sojourner like all my fathers (Ps. 39:12).” It just reminds me that home is not here, nor in the U.S., nor on a Caribbean island (though I would like it to be!). My home is temporarily unseen, yet very real.
I am incredibly thrilled to have my second passport – thank You God! But what thrills me even more, is my citizenship in heaven (again, thank You Jesus). It can't be taken from me; and the benefits are out of this world - literally! No matter where I try to say that I am from, at least I know where I am going... In times of difficulty and uncertainty, I am not banking on the dollar, nor the euro, nor storing up more STUFF... after all, this place is not my home! I am not concerned, because my savings account is indestructible; my inheritance is secure. Now that's something I can be excited about! Heaven throws a party every time someone receives their new citizenship (Luke 15:10)... it's time I celebrate the same! So I celebrate God's provision of Dutch-American nationality, but even more so, I'm celebrating the privilege of heavenly citizenship and the entry to a better home! :D
Getting ready to hit the road again...
Just a traveler and sojourner like my fathers... :)
Love,
Stephanie
