New Wineskins

I read in Matthew 9 this morning about old and new wineskins. I think this is the first time I've really had to struggle with the concept. This year has been a challenge to almost everything I'm comfortable with in my Christian walk. I know - life with Christ is not supposed to be comfortable and I'm supposed to be challenged and stretched. The confusion comes for me in figuring out what the new wineskins are supposed to look like. What is the design of my faith walk? Jesus hasn't changed, although I'm learning much more about Him. The Spirit hasn't changed, although I'm experiencing much more of His work and moving in and around me. And I've seen God as Creator in new ways as I've traveled this year. But, it's the traditions and the practice of my (our) faith that is being challenged. I've never thought of myself as too conservative (comparatively) or traditional. Maybe others have (feel free to comment!) Here I feel very conservative and cling to the traditions of our denomination more than ever. In fact, I believe more in the historical tradition of our movement than before I came to Latvia. So, what I'm trying to figure out is if everything has to be new or can I blend what's good about what I've known and experienced before with what new things the Lord is trying to show me? Is everything that is different here from what I have known before good? I don't think so - not that it's bad - it's just that there are different color wineskins! Should mine be like the people I work with in Latvia or do I help them to add a little bit of difference to theirs with my perspective. And does any of this make sense!? This is a struggle that comes with some joy and anticipation about what my wineskin will look like when I'm done with this adventure. I fuss about it, but it's fun, too!

Here are some pictures of the UK mission team - another fun part of my work:











Left - on the playground with Riga 1 kids
Right - playing games at regional teen camp
Center - at the Latvian Youth Song Festival