The Other Side

Greetings everyone,

From Whom the Bell Tolls….

Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Greek Islands. Memorized by the majestic scenery combined with the friendly atmosphere visitors flock to the various sites on the different islands. From ancient ruins to modern day architecture patrons enjoy the awe-inspiring views.

Myself, like most vacationers, rarely concern themselves with what’s behind the scenes so to speak. Our primary concern is to enjoy our vacation. Make unforgettable memories. Have a good time. Simply relax, we're on vacation right? Seldom do we think of life on the islands outside of our vacationer blinders.

While on my vacation to Paros, Greece I experienced a snippet of what the locals feel. Not saying I am a local…. I have only been here a short while, but I have been here long enough to experience some of the Greek culture, lifestyle, and habitudes. I have lived here long enough to know life is not what it appears to be for some.

In Paros, up on a hill in the middle of the port village, stands church with heavy bronze bells. At times, the bells will toll slowly with great intervals of silence between. Beautiful tolling from large bronze bells. An awesome sight and sound. On hearing the bells, the locals stop still and motionless for a moment.

The vacationer’s are eating at the village taverna, down on the gorgeous sandy beaches, or enjoy the quaint shopping experience through the cozy streets. Upon hearing the church bells tolling, the vacationer’s stop briefly to enjoy the beautiful sounds and reminisce on Greek folklore. "Oh, neat", they say. Maybe even take a photo or 2. "Cool", they think, "must be some religious thing or other." Their demeanor still on vacation / holiday mode.

You see… the locals know the bells tolling bring a message of sadness and sorrow. Someone in the village has departed from this world. Their heart aches as the announcement of a relative, friend, or fellow villager will no longer live among them. Their heads inclined, they make the sign of the cross.

No one on the beach or in the taverna notice the difference between folklore and slow rhythm of sorrow. They just hear the sounds of music coming from the bells. They have no idea why the bells toll. Nor do they really want to understand why. You see.. it’s the other side of life on the island. The everyday life which vacationers have purposely left behind in their own homes. It’s the ugly we run from to enjoy a small piece of paradise for a few brief days.

Harry and I were supposed to honeymoon here on the Greek island of Hydra, but September 11, 2001 changed our flight plans. The most appealing aspect of the island, when I was choosing our destination, was the fact there were no motorcars. Transportation on the island consisted of bicycles and boats. Paradise, right?

When I first arrived here in Greece, one of my first emails was entitled “Paradise it is not.” Yet, when looking for a honeymoon destination spot, this was my first choice. Only 7 years have passed, surely Greece has not changed that much. Or am I just that flip-floppy? No. It’s because I knew I was going to live here for the next 2 years… Vacationing in paradise is different than living in a paradise.

It’s not just a destination or a geographical location; it’s a frame of mind.

There is no possible way to live mentally in vacation for the next 2 years. So for me… Greece was no longer paradise. I was beginning to see the "other side" of life on the island. What it’s really like when all the glitz and glamour of the newest holiday wears off. When the summer months have passed and the cold winds of winter begin to blow through.

Our Christian walk is very similar. We long for the warm days of summer vacation. The warm breeze of the Holy Spirit that caresses our face and lets us know He is near. We want to stay in His presence and forget about the "other side" of life. The other side that has the hurts, pains, and the scars of life. We long to be close to Him and bask in the warmth of His glory. To stand in awe before Him and let the “other side” sit in the back recesses of our mind.

The “other side” can seem unbearable at times. Hearing the bell toll and knowing the sorrow causes the heart to ache. To live in the “other side” requires more than we feel we are capable of handling. No one wants to hurt. No one wants to continue to live with the scars of life. The disappointments. The failures. The brokenness. The inadequacies. The scars of life that leave us vulnerable. Leave us needing something else. Some one else.

Pains that require us to look beyond ourselves for help. Hurts that call for a touch from the Father. The Mender of Broken hearts. The Repairman of your soul.

Jesus.

The only One you need. The only One who lives in paradise. The One who wants you to live with Him in paradise. For all eternity.

Eternity does not require a plane ticket or hotel reservation. Paradise will not cancel or reschedule your itinerary. You just have to accept Him and that’s all you need.

Jesus as your Savior. The mender of brokenness only wants you to want Him. No confirmation number needed to experience the living waters of His paradise.

While Jesus was on the cross, the criminal beside Him ask, " Jesus, remember me when you come into kingdom." You see... the criminal knew who Jesus was, knew the Son of God was beside him, knew Jesus had done nothing wrong to deserve death, knew he wanted Jesus to remeber him when Jesus entered into His kingdom.

"Jesus answered him,

I tell you the truth,

today you will be with me in paradise."

Luke 23:43 (NIV)

May you experience paradise with Him. May you desire to vacation in the warmth of His presence.

Blessings to those on "the other side" tonight,

Kristie