I’ve been reflecting on how beautiful our time here has been and all the elements of Tauernhof that I’d love to take home with us as “souvenirs” to make our life richer. I love living in community, sharing things and eating and worshiping together like the early church did in Acts. Even doing duties collectively is fun and actually quite beautiful. I want to truly love our neighbours, walk alongside them in weakness and build them up as it encourages in Romans 15:1-2. We are so much stronger together. I love how the shops close on Sunday’s and when we’re home, I want to live as if they’re shut. I now know (thanks family group!) that it’s not law to keep the Sabbath holy (Mat 5:17) but I think it’s an important rhythm to uphold for our own rest and wellbeing (Mrk 2:27) ensuring we don’t fall into burnout, but live from rest. As we read in “Deeper” I want to build bible reading into my life and read consistently when I get home.
I love how much we are outside here - regnen, stürmen oder schneien - I’ve realised how much I need to be outside exercising - not just in the “stay healthy” way but in the way that it helps me to live better for God. I’m happier and more grateful to God for my body when I use it properly and am reminded of how wonderfully we are created. I’m a nicer wife and Mum, I have a clearer head and I focus better if I’ve worked out. I’ve been challenged by 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 10:31 to glorify God with my body and not waste what I’ve been given. I used to think that if I hadn’t done a hardcore workout I was an unfit failure; I was so harsh. I’ve learnt it’s okay to do different workouts and that they can change based on the mood, week or weather. God has been replacing my heart of stone with a heart of flesh (Eze 36:26-27) and reminding me that I don’t need such rigid standards, I’m human. At home I’d love to keep the fitness unit system up, so that I can have structure but still some flexibility which will encourage me to exercise in different ways - no matter the weather and to remind me that I can keep it fun too.
I’d been in a state of emergency and brokenness for so long that I was too depleted to pour out. I thought I was too broken to help and too old to be joining in and serving with our youth group. Being here I’ve been surprised at how many people have wanted my advice and I realised that I don’t have to have all the answers. I can be an encouragement just by listening, praying and asking questions (as I learnt in reflection #3). On the flip side - our life had been serious for too long and I’ve been refreshed by the lightness and fun that comes with being silly and hanging out with teenagers! The younger students have been such a blessing to us. I am also a WAY nicer person when I’m surrounded by others. I need to make an effort to spend more time with people and I’d like to get involved with our youth group so I can pour out when we get home.
As far as natural beauty goes, we have so much on offer in New Zealand compared to Austria because we have mountains and waves; but I hadn’t been living in the freedom that I’d already been given. I want to remember that and be intentional in my gratitude. So much of what I love about Tauernhof we can actually take home as “souvenirs” - and incorporate into our world in slightly different ways. Ultimately I want to make Jesus bigger in our everyday life. Coming to Tauernhof has been the highlight of my life. But I don’t want it to stay the highlight, I don’t want to camp on this mountain peak, because I know God has more for us to look forward to. I want to keep climbing and stand on the next peak looking back in awe and gratitude of what He has done, while looking ahead with expectation and hope of whatever is to come.