transcendant connections

I'm here, mostly - but part of me is in Turkey today...
It's an odd feeling to be going about my daily routines(brush teeth, wash face, prepare lunch, light candles, clean small faces, answer phone)
and suddenly
I'm transported in my mind, intensly aware of where my little sister is(getting on the plane, switching flights, meeting strangers, sleeping at their home, and waking up to an early morning road trip..starting to absorb the sights, smells, sounds, feel of the capital Ankara)
Right now it's late at night and I should be sleeping, but I'm too excited.
Across the world, it's 8 am, and she's greeting the first Turkish morning she's ever known, and her day is filled with untold possibilities.
I think how I'm feeling is part of the essence of sharing 'life to the full' - I believe that scriptures like-"rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn"- are painting a picture of a transcendant connection..that when we *really* love each other well, we begin to experience life *with* each other..
That we can get to a point in human relationships where we can almost *feel* the pain of others ------- *feel* the thrill of joy at their victories, and even
almost
smell the morning air of Ankara.

~~~~~
I think these textured relationships are a big part of the 'abundant life ' Jesus Christ spoke about during his time on earth.
I *feel* more with people as I share life with them and grow in love for them...
I think one of the reasons I choose to trust Christ even when life is very difficult is that I know he *feels* with me...that his depth of love for me allows him to feel my tears and laughter in a way that is human, while divinely molding me *through* those painful and joyous experiences into someone whose heart looks gradually more like his, full of sincere Empathy.
~~~~~

Until the day Mar gets home safely, my heart will turn often to prayer and thoughts of her immediate experience...
~~~~~
I also have a sister who is currently in England visiting a friend. She began travelling when we were younger, and has now seen so much more of the world than many of us ever will. And, though she is often far away and out of contact during travel, I always feel that we are somehow linked.
Neither of my sisters are related to me biologically, yet we have these deep connections. and if your could put us next to each other & view our likes, wants, values, and personalities, you'd probably wonder how we ended up together at all...
But love grows deep and strong in an atmoshpere of unconditional acceptance
and
empathy.



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