Down Under, But Not So Far Away
By Shirley Remmenga of Fort Collins, CO, USA
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you. —3 Nephi 10:18, adapted
My daughter Deb and I traveled to Australia a few years ago. We stayed in the Sydney area for a few days and then flew to Adelaide. Deb hadn’t been back since we lived there in 1962. It was a memory trip for her.
We stayed with some dear friends we met when we lived there. They opened their home and their hearts to us and provided a place to sleep, some meals, and transport. Best of all, we could chat and laugh and remember together. We saw other friends, as well. One couple took us on some lovely drives to places we had been when Deb was a child. Another couple welcomed us in their home and prepared a wonderful meal for us. What a great time we had!
I don’t see my Australian friends often, but the friendships continue even though we live on opposite sides of the world. Australia has become my second home in many ways. Because of Community of Christ people I have met in different parts of Australia, I have “family” there. I value those relationships. I thank God that distance does not hamper the friendships found in Christ’s community.
Prayer for Peace
God of lands far and near, may your Spirit be our bridge of friendship. Help us stay connected to old friends and make new connections by sharing the peace of Christ.
Spiritual Practice: The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will reconnect with a far-away friend.
