Right this minute, (writing 27th May 2013 at 16:09) my here and now is the Düsseldorf International Airport. The questions on my mind at present: have I ever been this early for a flight? My connection doesn’t even appear on the funky “departures-screens”! Which leads to the next question – where should I be? And last but not least – how can I best use my time the next three hours: sleep, eat, study? Or walk around looking at random duty free shops and wonder where the other people are from and where they are going?
Here and now. Not worrying about tomorrow and not dwelling on what was yesterday. It is important to live in the present. But then, I love planning and thinking about the future – even though I often tend to change my plans, its important to have one to start with! And I love memories – love making them and remembering them. And it really was a lovely week! The conference, talking to people about Jesus, the time with my brother, friends, relatives, my church, visiting classes and enjoying the forest…But my days in Germany went by so fast and I am already off again, heading back to Madrid for the last few weeks of my ERASMUS year. No more classes await me, only exams. It is strange to think that my Spanish life will come to an end – but I am grateful for this week in my “home country” which has made me realise that I do have an affection for both my country and its people! I actually love Germany. Along with several other countries, it has had a great impact on my life – and as my little brother lately reminded me – when it was time to take sides in the Champion’s league – no matter how long I’ve lived abroad, I’m still German. Despite the cultural mix. (what a profound revelation that is for me!) And I have reason to be proud of our football teams =) hehe
And thus I find myself strangely calm as I embark on this last part of my Madrid adventure. Yes, I love Madrid and have loved the months I was privileged enough to live there – but then not only is there a first time for everything (see previous post) but there is also “a time for everything under the sun” – I love these verses from the book of Ecclesiastes:
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. (from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3,1-8 NIV)
Somehow this passage reminds me not to be hasty and to keep in mind that some things in life really come and go like seasons and have their time. So I add – there is a time for studying/working and a time for enjoying a holiday, a time for saying hello and a time for saying goodbye. A time for adventure and a time for routine and “normal” life. A time for Pakistan and a time for Thailand and a time for Spain – and a time for Germany. A time for la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and a time for Albert Ludwigs Universtität Freiburg. And of course – there will be a time for visits! Its not that far after all =)
But in the midst of my pondering I suddenly remember the present: my connection has appeared on the flight information screen. I’m in the wrong section of the airport – it is time to get moving.