Blog 3209 – 08.15.2024

Living In Two Worlds

Thirty years ago I was looking through some used books and came across one that on its cover stated that it was the most famous science-fiction book ever written. I was intrigued for I had never heard of it though a science-fiction fan myself for easily thirty years. I was in my mid-forties at the time.

The book I found was Robert Heinlein’s Stranger In A Strange Land. I have since read it several times and each time found it even more fascinating. It is the story of a man from Mars having to become accustomed to living on earth. The young man, Michael Smith, has been raised by Martians, thinks like Martians, but is at his core quite human.

We are like Michael Smith, strangers in a strange land. Some of us acclimate quicker and perhaps better than others, but some of us never seem to fit in or feel quite at home here feeling ourself outsiders, strangers.

Jesus words sound comforting to us outsiders when he says, “Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” as strangers we spend at lot of time, perhaps too much, in our own minds. Still we are curious and watch the behavior of others trying to find clues to help us fit in and not feel so strange and apart from this strange place.

I recall a church song from my youth that said, “This world is not my home. I am just a passing through.” For those who dream of a better brighter world that they call by names like paradise or heaven I would remind them of some other words that Jesus is said to have said to the religious people of his day, “The kingdom of heaven is within you.”

We live it would seem in two worlds each having a pull on our affections and our loyalties. It is like having dual-citizenship. In closing I am reminded of something my dad used to say to guests at our table, “If you are not at home you ought to be.” Dad was a master of the double entendre, statements with a double meaning. Folks were left wondering if he meant for them to leave or to feel at home. I assure you it was the later or he would have plainly asked them to leave.

This world is our home at least for the time being for we are indeed travelers in time and space, living in two worlds.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White