Where do you call home? Where is your citizenship?
.... It matters.
But why?
The pressures of Society
Citizenship and Home determine the culture you live in and the pressures that society will put on you. With my Canadian upbringing there are certain things which are seen as proper. My wife is Filipina and her upbringing in the Philippines brings a different set of proper behavior. As for myself I see myself linked to both... and neither.
Being Canadian there is always the pressure to "achieve more", "work harder", "be successful". My Filipino pressures would be more aligned with "help the family", "be responsible" and "look successful". As I prepare to retire there is a responsibility to look after my parents, care for my children, and help out in society as well.
But do I bent to those pressures? Yes and No.
Being Christian
I've been Christian for almost my entire life. As such I have a different viewpoint on where my Citizenship is and where my home is. As a Christian I've been taught that I'm en exile on planet earth. I'm here as an adventure to my true goal which lies ahead. I'm a visitor in a strange and often hostile place.
As for verse to back this up?
and...
and...
Just Passing Through
My favorite song since I was a teenager is "Tourist Trap" by the group "Crumbacher". One of my favorite lines in the song is this :
Pass another last chance now and then, what do I care? It's a Tourist Trap...**and I won't be another victim in a Tourist Trap!**
I won't be another victim in a Tourist Trap
That has been my mantra for most of my adult life.
- I won't fall for material things that waste away
- I won't fall for the debt trap to keep up with others
- I won't let other people's opinion determine my course of action
- I won't let peer pressure force me to do things detrimental to myself or my future.
It's a tourist trap!
It is amazing how freeing it can be to just ignore what other people think. To live my own life. To be free to follow whatever path I enjoy most!
22,000 days
The Moody Blues has a song called 22,000 days. One of the lines in it is :
22,000 days it's not a lot, it's all you got 22,000 days.
Another thing to consider. There is a fixed amount of time to enjoy here on earth. How many of them do you want to give to other people? How much time do you want to spend living up to other people's expectations. How much time do you want to spend worrying if they think you are good enough? For me, every day is precious and it is mine to enjoy. I try hard not to let anyone elses expectations dictate my actions.
When I was in the Philippines I saw a billboard with a father and son. The caption on the bottom was "I am not here to fulfill my fathers unfulfilled dreams". To me that sums things up perfectly. I'm my own person and no-one elses so I live my own life.
Mostly
Remember, I'm a Christian
Being a Christian means I've devoted my life to following the example set by Christ and the dictates of the Bible. Yes, the Bible says that I'm just passing through but it also says what I should do while I'm passing through.
and...
and...
While I'm a Christian that means that I am subject to all the rules and regulations of the country I am in. While I'm there I'm directed to live a good and honorable life as an example to the one I truly serve. However, this also means that sometimes I am not following "social pressure". In Canada it is common to ignore speed signs...I believe I'm bound to follow them. People often ignore ordinances to shovel sidewalks by 10am but I feel duty bound to abide by the law.
In some ways I'm much freer, in other ways I'm duty bound.
Saint Augustine wrote in 390AD these words which sum things up pretty well.
But I take it a step further.
- If I'm in a Muslim country I would actively avoid alcohol and pork.
- If I'm in the USA I show respect to the national anthem
- If I'm in the Philippines I show considerable respect to elders and family (more so than Canada).
In short while I do not feel bound to social and cultural norms it is my duty as a Canadian to respect and honor local customs and traditions as much as I am able and follow the laws by those in authority there.
Free yet bound by Love
How do I sum it all up? How can I be free of societal norms while still fitting in with society? In short, keep an eye on where your citizenship and duty lies. I love being a Christian because it means being free to live my life. I believe that my life is a gift to be enjoyed to the fullest. I believe my wife and children are gifts to be enjoyed and cherished as well.
Remember where your true home is :
However, the freedom is also bound by Love to the rules of the one I follow. Respect those in authority (even I think they are crazy sometimes). Respect my parents (even though I know they are crazy sometimes). Live my life to help others and the community around me (even though it's an inconvenience many times).
Why?
Life is short and I'm just passing through. Many social conventions are just energy burning "tourist traps" I want no part of. However, life goes better when you help those around you and do your best to fit into the local culture.
I'm certain many people will think I'm crazy for my beliefs
...feel free to write responses as I enjoy getting feedback.
and thanks for taking the time to read this. Appreciate it.