We moved to Pormpuraaw nearly a year ago. To say that living here is different from where we used to live is very true. It’s different in many ways. In some ways, it’s a different culture, a different way of looking at the world. So I thought over the 12 weeks of blogging, I could perhaps attempt to convey to you how this place is different. Being somewhere different has its advantages and disadvantages. As time goes by, you can see for yourself what those may be.

When we came to Pormpuraaw, I thought I’d have more time that I had before. Time to do other things. I’m not really sure what those other things were going to be. Turns out, life is pretty much the same. I still go to work each day. My responsibilities at home still need attention and there are always relationships to work on. Time is a complicated concept. It really has more to do with your priorities than the actual hours you are awake.

One thing I have found however, is that I have had time to ponder. Time to meditate, consider, muse a bit about life.

Pondering can be a good thing. It can be helpful to contemplate the past and think on the future. I like to think of my past as a “history of God’s goodness” in my life. To recall those trials, those situations where he has shown me more of himself and where I have learnt hard, deep, often profound lessons—some painful, some joyous. This leads to thankfulness in the heart and a sense of just how precious he is to me.

Thinking on the future and what steps to take now can also be worthwhile. I’m sure we can all appreciate the way Mary, the mother of Jesus pondered. (Luke 2:19) She had already had some unique and distinctive events occur in her life previous to this occasion and so pondering on what the future held for her little family, was worthwhile contemplation. Her response now in this situation, the choices now that she made, were to play a part in her future.

It’s also possible to ponder—to muse—too much on the wrong things. Being away from the life I once lived, the job I once did, the positions I once held, the places I once frequented, the people I once associated with, can lead to dissatisfaction and discontent in this new place. My focus shouldn’t be on what was but what is. Thankfully God’s word, hidden in my heart keeps me from giving in to sloppy thinking. I remember to think on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely…. to meditate on these things. (Phil. 4:8)

So as I approach this next twelve weeks, I pray my pondering may be like Mary’s: good, worthwhile, and valuable. To me and maybe even to you.

Proverbs 4: 26 “Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.”

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About Alana Milson

Alana is a primary school teacher. She and her husband, David lived in Cairns for over 17 years but are now living in Cape York in a remote Aboriginal community. Alana enjoys teaching in many different capacities, reading missionary biographies and pursuing biblical womanhood.

8 Comments

  1. Ben 7 September, 2010 at 5:44 am - Reply

    Thanks Alana — looking forward to hearing more about life in Pormpuraaw.

  2. Lyn 7 September, 2010 at 8:17 am - Reply

    HI sweets,
    I look forward to catching up with your activities and being blessed by your wonderful insight into Gods gracious ways. Love you. X Mum

  3. Laura 7 September, 2010 at 7:05 pm - Reply

    Alana,
    Thanks for posting! If you enjoy this, you’ll have to go solo on blogger and keep us updated all the time! Thanks for the reminders to be pondering what is excellent and praiseworthy and all those things! Looking forward to your future posts! :) Love to you, friend!

  4. Apo 7 September, 2010 at 7:30 pm - Reply

    Thank you Alana.

  5. JANE 7 September, 2010 at 8:16 pm - Reply

    Alana, thanks for your pondering. Looking forward to the next instalment!

  6. Rhonwen 7 September, 2010 at 9:06 pm - Reply

    Have really gained from the ponderings you have shared Alana. I am so glad you can take hold of the blessings God has showered on you at your new address!!
    Thanks for reminding me to stop sloppy thinking and start enjoying my present with my Lord.

  7. Jessica 8 September, 2010 at 12:09 am - Reply

    Wow! Looking forward to hearing from you weekly Alana!

  8. Julie 9 September, 2010 at 9:52 pm - Reply

    That’s so great to hear about your ponderings, Larnsy! When i was reading your blog, i just felt like you were sitting here with me saying it to my face! Just loved it! Thank you xxxooo

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