“we have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1b (NLT)
Day 26: Home #writetogether31days
This is one of my favorite places. It’s the halfway point between my house and my mom’s so I stay here often. It’s kinda funny though, when I check in on my way up, the clerk will ask where I’m headed. So, I say, “Home to Michigan.” But then, when I’m traveling back and she asks, I reply, “Home to West Virginia.”
Born in Michigan, it is also where I spent my teenage years and went to college. I still have family and friends there who I visit whenever I can. I moved to West Virginia for my first teaching job. That was 41 years ago. I have family and friends here who I do everyday life with.
So where is home? Is it where we’re from? Or, is it where we are?
I’ve lived in several homes in my lifetime. There are treasured memories, assorted stories, and achieved milestones attached to each one. I’ve loved them all and yet, this subtle feeling of being a little out of place, a bit of discontent, a longing for something else has always been present. You too? I’ve learned and I sometimes still need to be reminded that as Christians, we’re supposed to feel this way because the truth is, for us, Home is where we’re going.
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”
Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)
“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
Philippians 3:20 (NLT)
“Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)
I don’t know about you, but there are days that I stand and look up to Heaven saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” And of course, there are times when I plead for just a bit longer here on this earth. We don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t need to, but we are supposed to be ready for the move.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
John 14:1-3 (NLT)
Where is home? Here in the world, it’s with the ones we love, but one day we will be Home with the One who loves us into eternity. So, maybe the next time someone asks me where I’m headed I’ll smile and say, “Home to Heaven.” What a day of rejoicing that will be!
“It was majestic in beauty, with its spreading boughs, for its roots went down to abundant waters.” Ezekiel 31:7
Rooted
It’s official! I’ve now lived in the mountains of West Virginia for 40 years. 40 years! It was the last week of August in 1982 when I left everything familiar behind to move for my first teaching position. The flight and long, dark drive were all a blur as I sat in a small hotel room that seemed like a movie set from the 1960’s. The reality of it all left me in tears wondering what I’d done, how’d I gotten here, and where on earth was here?
Walking into the adjacent Motel restaurant for breakfast was also like stepping back in time, and it seemed that every eye in the place noticed this newcomer as I nervously sat down in the first booth I could find.“They” say that things will look better in the morning, but daylight for me only seemed to illuminate how very far away from home I really was.
My apprehension continued as I learned that the county teacher training days had already officially started. Being behind before I’d started was not in my comfort zone. Also finding out I had no place to stay? Well, that about did me in and had me looking for the nearest exit. Thankfully common sense kicked in. Taking a deep breath I attempted to smooth my curls, plastered a smile on my face, and took a seat next to my new boss, but, I’m not sure I heard a single word said that entire day!
To be honest, my immediate plan was just to survive the school year, then pack up and move back home. But something unexpected began to happen.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)
The kindness of so many strangers who were becoming friends sustained me. The love of a special family grounded me. The courage of my students grew me. I became entrenched in the beauty of this place and it’s people.God had planted me “by the stream.” He chose this exact place, the one where He knew I belonged, in the fertile soil of His plan where I’d quickly become rooted and thrive. And not just for a season or two, but for FORTY years!
The first year teacher in this picture didn’t know much. But, whether in the dark of night or the morning light, it’s this place that’s now most familiar to me and it’s very clear how I got here: I was transplanted by the Divine Gardner who knew that my roots would become more deeply entwined than I could have ever imagined. Most importantly though, I also now know exactly where I am…. I am home!
(That is, until He transplants me again, not for forty years, but for eternity)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
Treasure
As I stepped into the house, the house I hadn’t been in for three months, my house, I was greeted by a host of sorrow and joy. Happily, I was back home where I belonged, but I was grieving too having left my grandsons after being with them for so long. They say that “home is where your heart is.” If that’s true, it explains why my heart feels divided like a puzzle of many pieces.
When I moved to West Virginia for my first teaching job I left part of my heart behind with my family. The home my husband and I have created was made with heart and soul. As our children married and moved away, parts of my heart packed up and left with them. And then there are those grandsons of mine! Each one carries a fragment of my heart tucked in theirs.
A heart pulled in the directions of home, honestly, it leaves me a bit off-kilter with an ever-present sense of yearning. Maybe you know exactly I mean. And as much as we treasure all those we love, having a divided heart can leave us feeling unsettled.
Pondering this, it’s occurred to me that God places that very sense of yearning in our hearts for a purpose. His purpose. If you’re like me, when in one place you long for another. When in another, you wish for somewhere else. The truth God wants us to know is that a divided heart is never satisfied and I’m learning that the desire we feel for home, to be in the presence of love, will not be fulfilled here. We should instead be preparing for a move!
“Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:20-21 (NLT)
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”
Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)
Jesus tells us in John 14 to not let our hearts be troubled. He also assures us that a place is being prepared for us. When we step into the glory of our Father’s house, the Heavenly Host will welcome us with only joy. There’ll be no sorrow, crying, or tears. And that divided heart? It will be made whole, sealed with perfect love. And my friends, we will finally know that we’re Home where we belong!
We often think of joy and sorrow as opposites – their definitions far apart from each other. But when you’ve lived a “few” years you come to realize that they’re actually connected. Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand together throughout our lives. Even in the most joyous times there are twinges of sorrow present; and as I’ve learned in this past month, when experiencing great, overwhelming sorrow, joy is also right there in the midst of it all.
My grandson, Sutton has been in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a little over two months now. His life and ours, have changed. With that, comes the darkness of grief. But friends, I’m here to tell you that joy lights the way through it!
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b (NLT)
Share Four Somethings
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3 (NIV)
~Something Loved~
As Sutton was life-flighted to Columbus at the end of June, my husband and I were packing to make the four hour trip to be with our two older grandsons. Time passed with little talk and lots of prayer. Upon arrival we immediately went into caregiver mode. For two weeks, together we tried to put our fears and grief aside to meet all their needs. After that, my husband had to return to work and I began caring for them on my own. I’ve been here ever since.
There’ve been days I was sure I couldn’t go on, times the boys were so upset I didn’t know what to do, moments when I had to ignore my MiMi heart to discipline, and nights when we all cried ourselves to sleep. But woven through it all has been the realization that we are making memories that we never would have under “normal” circumstances. The funny thing is, before all this happened, I’d find myself lying awake praying that nothing would happen to me before I’d spent enough time with the boys for them to remember me. And now….here we are together! I’ve loved spending time with my grandsons; from doing simple things like playing office, to celebrating the first day of kindergarten, visiting Sutton every weekend, touring a museum together, reading bedtime stories, singing songs, and laughing…a lot. In the middle of the pain: Joy!
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)
~Something Read~
Living in an unfamiliar town, driving a van, having a much more active schedule, etc…. For this “comfort zone addict” gal, being away from home has been hard at times. There may even have been a bit of whining. It’s amazing though, that when I’ve had an especially challenging day, I’ll go to the mailbox and find a card from a friend or my phone will beep with a text from a loved one. Reading inspiring Bible verses, encouraging words, even old fashioned newsy letters, have brightened my days and improved my mood…a lot. In the midst of change: Joy!
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NIV)
~Something Treasured~
As parents, we hope and pray that our children, no matter their age, have friends who’ll always be there for them, a community that embraces them, and a church family to uplift them. I’ve worried about this (I know shocking, right?) But there’ve been times when these things were missing from my kid’s lives.
Thankfully, my worry was unwarranted as usual, as both our children now have a wonderful support system! Never was it more evident though, than in this last month! The outpouring of care and concern for our family through this health crisis with Sutton has been beyond amazing! It’s impossible to find the words to express the gratitude we feel. There have been T-shirt Fundraisers, a Benefit Golf Tournament, an Auction of a one-of-a-kind clock made by the Blind Clockmaker (if you’ve never seen his inspiring story, I’ll link it below), cards, gifts, meals, donations to the Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. And oh my goodness, the outpouring of prayers lifted for Sutton. It’s been miraculous really, how such a little boy has brought so many people together!
Do you remember what the Bible says happened after the Shepherds had visited Jesus in the stable then left to spread the message the Angels had given them? Yes, Mary thought about all that had happened and she kept it in her heart. That’s how I feel too. I will treasure all I’ve seen, heard, and felt this past month, keeping it close at heart, knowing there are others who’ve got this support thing down pat, and I will ponder on that…a lot! At the center of great need: Joy!
“He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy, the time for morning and the time for dancing,” Ecclesiastes 3:4 (GNT)
~Something Ahead~
Home. That is what’s ahead!
We’re rejoicing! If everything keeps going as well as it has been, Sutton will be home in a very short time. And while it will be different, and scary, and hard, and yes, sad sometimes, it is an answer to all our prayers and a gift we’ve been given that many do not receive. In time, these months will be behind us and a new normal will develop. Doing a happy dance just thinking about it!
Having Sutton home means that I’ll go home, too. I’ll return to my normal, my hubs won’t have to live the bachelor life anymore, my schedule will be my own. These are happy things. And yet.. I’ll be leaving the boys. No more tucking them in, fixing their breakfast, watching Bluey together while eating popcorn. Mother-daughter time will be less, too. The pull of home means leaving a part of me here and I’m going to miss them…a lot! At the heart of joyously moving on: sorrow.
August for me, has been a month of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many joys and sorrow. But really, that’s life, isn’t it? As Solomon reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
But no matter how long the season or the night, we can take comfort in knowing that “Joy comes with the morning!”
I’m once again linking up at http://www.heathergerwing.com to Share Four Somethings. Click over to read what others are reflecting on this month. I’d love to know what you’d share! Let me know in the comments. I want to remind you that I am so blessed by your presence here! Thank you for stopping in! And don’t forget to watch Jim Morgan’s story below. You will be glad you did!
Labor Day weekend is upon us! How can it be that we’re already looking back on August? I don’t know about you, but for me this summer has passed in a blink of an eye! One good thing about month’s end though, is joining with others at http://www.heathergerwing.com to look back at our Four Somethings. It also just so happens that today’s prompt at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com is “Back” thus, I’ve decided to do double duty with this post. So sit “back” and relax as I share a bit of my month with you. And then…I’d LOVE for you to share your Four Somethings with me in the comments. Here are mine:
Something Loved
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.” Philippians 1:3 (NLT)
My heart’s been happy this month because I’ve been able to spend time with some of my favorite people in some of my favorite places! It’s always an adventure when I’m with my grandsons. Just after this photo was taken the entire jug of bubbles spilled onto the patio. I immediately got the hose to spray it off but looking back now, I realize it wasn’t my best idea. I’ll just leave it to your imagination to figure out what happened next!
I’ve recently returned from a trip back to Michigan to visit my mom and sisters. We aren’t able to get together as often as we’d like, so each visit is a true blessing. There’s something special about being with those who’ve known you the longest and love you anyway! Whether it’s spending time watching my grands growing up or spending time with those I grew up with, I’ve loved making memories that I’ll now look back on and treasure!
Something Said
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6 (NLT) / Pixabay
There are several things about myself that I’m working on to change. One big one is the amount of time I spend worrying. Looking back, I’ve realize just how much time I’ve wasted “rehearsing disaster” that’s never happened! As I’ve already said, time slips by in an instant and I don’t want to spend what I have on worthless worry. It’s time for a wake up call!
I love it when right at a time I need them, just the right words are shared. How appropriate that my need for a wake up was met with words said about an alarm clock! I’d never thought to compare worry to an alarm clock but it resonates with me and maybe it will with you, too. The idea is that we can let our worry work as an alarm clock, warning us that there’s something we need to pray about. AND…..we certainly don’t let an alarm clock keep ringing once it’s done its job of getting us up, so we shouldn’t let the worry alarm keep ringing after we’ve taken our concerns to God, either. I love that visual and hope to apply it from here on out and to not go back to letting worry take up all my time!
Something Learned
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLT)
What a great time I had this month working along side my daughter while learning to do something new! We were invited to attend a workshop at a new shop being opened by our family friends called “Board and Brush”. It’s a wonderful place where you can go to created fun and unique decor projects from scratch! We learned how to assemble, distress, stain, and stencil. I was so thankful for the support and encouragement I received to help me complete my sign. The experience was so enjoyable that I hope we can go back and do it all again very soon!
Something Read
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:9-10 (NLT)
Oh this book! Through stories of her homes, gardens, communities, friends, and family Christie Purifoy creates images of place and home which inspired me to reflect on the places that have contributed to bringing me where I am and helped create who I am. The emotions she shares and the knowledge she offers create a symphony of words and thought that made it hard for me to take my eyes from the page. The subtitle: “Cultivating Places of Comfort, Beauty, and Peace” is exactly what this book does for the reader! If you desire to stay in the home you have, long for a home from your past, or dream of a new home in the future, this book is perfect for you! With her beautiful writing style (and beautiful it is….I might have a tiny or not so tiny case of writer’s envy) Christie takes us on a spiritual journey which reminded me that no matter where it is, God’s gift of home is meant to be shared. “Placemaker” is a book that I could read from front cover to back again and again and learn something new each time! I loved it!
Well there it is! August was a good month but I must admit I am looking forward to September bringing some cooler weather and the introduction of Fall with it. As you look back on this past month, I hope you too, can see many blessings. Don’t forget to share a few of them with us! God willing we can share our September Four Somethings too so…….
Y’all come “back” now! Ya hear? (sorry, just couldn’t resist)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV) / Pixabay
Ever had a guest who overstayed their welcome? I sure have. He took up residence a long time ago and then refused to leave. Living with him camped out in my head became normal. He planted negative thoughts in my mind as comfortably as planting his feet on the coffee table. Instead of cleaning up after himself, he enjoyed trashing my hopes and ideas. He cooked up ways to feed on my insecurities, leaving only crumbs of confidence behind. This guest unpacked, settled in, and crowded out my dreams. Maybe you’ve heard of my roommate. His name? Fear.
It’s difficult to think about all I’ve let fear keep me from doing: meeting new people, responding to a need, experiencing adventure, following my dreams, and so much more. As recently as this past month I had the opportunity to meet with other writers who I’d never met. The invitation thrilled me and I began planning for the event. But, the closer it came, the more messages fear began leaving for me to replay over and over in my head, finally convincing me that I wasn’t really a writer, I would only make a fool of myself, and I needed to just stay home with him. Thankfully, that’s when God reminded me Whose house I live in! I’ve finally recognized that fear, having no intention of leaving, had plopped himself down and wedged his way between God and me. (FYI: God didn’t move over to make room for him; that was all me.) Anyone else ever sat on that couch?
“There is no fear in love: true love has no room for fear, because where fear is, there is pain; and he who is not free from fear is not complete in love.” 1 John 4:18 (BBE)
If we’re going to live the greatest commandment of loving God with our whole hearts, souls, and minds, it’s time to clean house, pack up all of fear’s lies, doubts, and accusations, and send him on his way…..far away! When we choose our roommates carefully and dwell in the house of the Lord, we have this promise:
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
The eviction notice has been served! It may take a while to clear everything out and give this “temple” of mine a good cleansing; but I’m looking forward to a new found peace without that extra voice always butting in. So, want to join me in saying “goodbye” to fear? Now’s the time, because you know what they always say…. “Two’s company, three’s a crowd”!
“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook–try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, BE FEARLESS, and above all have fun. ~Julia Child
Family Reunion
The O’Jays, 1975
It’s so nice to see All the folks you love together Sittin’ and talking’ ’bout All the things that’s been goin’ down
It’s been a long, long time Since we had a chance to get together Nobody knows the next time we’ll see each other Maybe years and years from now
Family Reunion……
It’s that time of year! Time for grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and everyone in-between to come together for a family reunion. I love to see pictures on Facebook and in the newspaper; pictures of all the different generations of a family posing together, arms interlocked, with smiling faces, and a look in their eyes that says “we’re home”!
Home. The definition changes for me. When I’m with my mom and sisters in Michigan, I’m home. After being away and the “Welcome to West Virginia” sign passes overhead, I’m home. Sitting within the protection of the walls of our old house…..home, and soon, new walls will provide the security of being home. But…..nothing says home to me more these days thanhaving both our children, their spouses, and our grand baby within arm’s reach! Yesterday I was HOME! Sitting around the table with our four “children”, grandson, my husband, and my mother-in-love filled this ole gal’s heart to overflowing! I so treasure these times of reunion.
Because here in the mountains of West Virginia, most family reunions require a covered dish; I thought I’d share a recipe that is perfect for just such occasions! It’s easy to make, easy to transport, and I’m pretty sure you won’t have to worry about what to do with leftovers because there won’t be any! So, kiss your aunt, play horseshoes with your cousin, hold your granddad’s hand, and cuddle that grand baby! Our time on this earth is short. We DON’T know when we may see each other next. Isn’t it a comfort, that a Reunion awaits us one day; where there’ll be no more sorrow, no more worry, no more pain…just rejoicing and love, and who knows? Maybe horseshoes and a covered dish!
“This world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home that is yet to come.” Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)
[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:22]
What means home to you? Share that and your favorite dish to take to a reunion in the comments below! I’d love to hear from you!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
It should be an exciting time. A time for looking toward the future. For planning and dreaming. So why is my stomach in knots, my throat tight with unspoken fears, and worry filling my nights? One word. Trust.
We’ve come to a place where our house isn’t able to be our place of refuge anymore. Its age has caught up with it and the problems are too numerous to solve. Those who know houses advise us to tear it down. My reaction? You know me…..”Tear down the rooms where my children played and slept?” “Tear down the place where we’ve celebrated birthdays, graduations, anniversaries?” (Memory hoarder. Remember?) We’ve agonized. We’ve prayed. Talked to friends, family, and professionals. The answer has remained the same.
My husband gave me a “Wish Book” to encourage me to draw, write, and paste ideas that help create a new vision of home. And I have. I’ll even admit it’s been fun. But all the while, somewhere deep inside where I don’t like to go, a voice lists all the things that could go wrong. Chants the reasons it will never work. Stirs up fears that lurk there. The devil knows my weaknesses and he doesn’t hesitate to attack those vulnerable places.
So while our children are anxious for the work to begin and our friends are excited for this next adventure we are embarking on; I’ve dug in my heels and waited. Waited for signs to move ahead. Waited for signs to stop. Waited for clarity. Waited for peace. And in that waiting I’ve…..Failed. To. Trust.
Much to my dismay, I know that “Trust” is my word for 2016. It challenges me. How about you? Are you like me? Hesitant.. well more like desperate… not to let go of your own control? Reluctant to move forward? I hope not, but if you are; here’s the good news!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
I’m learning this lesson at an agonizingly slow pace but I’m sensing a shift. A realization that I don’t have to “do” or “know”; but rather, I need to “be”. Be still. Be in His word. Be obedient. Be in His presence. Be loved. Change has never been easy for this ole gal, but to “be” all I can for Him, it’s vital.
Maybe you too, know exactly what I’m talking about. You’re also facing a change, an illness, a death, a broken relationship, difficulties at work, a new baby, a longing for a baby, a wedding….good change or not so good, here is some encouragement I’ve found:
“Let’s face it-it can be challenging and sometimes scary to step out in faith, especially when we don’t know what lies ahead. But when we trust God with our future and seek out His plans for our lives instead of our own, the blessings we receive will far exceed the things we think we are leaving behind.”
Tracie Miles, Faith Zone Challenge
Yesterday, we went to begin the final steps in ordering our new home. We prayed before we left. Boy, did we pray! There were times I felt I couldn’t breathe. My nerves were on edge, but as soon as we pulled into the parking lot a peace seemed to come over me. And while we talked and planned excitement began to replace some of my fear. God is amazing like that!
I know that I’m not where I need to “be”….yet….there’ll still be worries, fears, and roadblocks to make me want to turn back. My plan? One word. Trust. I’m determined to put my trust not in “my own understanding” but with God and to follow as He leads me on the path to not only my new home here, but someday to the home He’s prepared for me (and YOU) with Him.
Do you have a word for 2016? I’d love to hear what it is! Is there something I can pray about for you? Just leave either or both in the comments and I look forward to connecting with you!
“There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:2-3 NLT
I got up this morning, poured my cup of coffee, and sat down in my chair at the window to watch the activity taking place at the bird feeders. This is my routine pretty much every morning I’m home, however, this morning was a little more exciting (in the bird world, at least) because the Wrens are back and building a nest in the bird house. It’s an amazing thing to watch as the tiny bird approaches the small opening in the bird house with a GIANT stick, often three times their size and yet, it still manages to maneuver it through. All the while the other half of the couple is chattering anxiously and excitedly flitting here and there. It’s hard work creating a home one stick at a time!
Home……it’s what’s been on my mind lately. I recently traveled to help my mom prepare to move into a new home. It’s a lovely condo with lots of light and storage. But even though it’s a positive move it has still caused her feelings of doubt, anxiety, and heartache. At the same time, she’s experiencing excitement about redecorating, the joy of having friends close by, and a peace knowing she’s found the right place
In a few weeks my daughter, who I can still picture smiling up at me with a toothless grin and a head full of curls, is about to have a baby of her own. She and her husband will be navigating their way to recreate their home as a family of three instead of two. Doubt? Anxiety? You know it! And as a parent I know that there’ll be some heartache too, but right there mixed in are great excitement and abundant joy! (I can hardly wait!)
Add into the mix, my son, who is about to be married and join two lives into one home. Again, its a time of mixed emotions. There are so many questions to be answered, plans to be made, and priorities to set. If ever there’s a time with a myriad of feelings, it’s planning a wedding, but the promise of this new love brings such delight!
My home was built over one hundred years ago and has seen better days. Now common sense would tell you that we have enough going on in our lives right now, but I’m not always sensible, SO….my husband and I have been looking into making a change in our home too. We’ve given consideration to building a new house, one board at a time….. TOO STRESSFUL! Tearing down our family home and putting in a modular has been an option….. this caused me some heartache, though. Remodeling where we’ve called home for many years is still being considered. All three options are exciting and all three have also caused my husband and me a great deal of anxiety!
Home…..some of its definitions are: shelter, a dwelling place or retreat, any place of residence or refuge, a place in which one’s domestic affections are centered. These are all so true but for me there’s something more about home which cannot be defined. It is that gravitational-like pull that draws me back. It is memories of times past and hope for times to come. It is love.
Yes, every emotion on the spectrum is experienced in a home…some good, some not. It is where we teach and learn about life. It isn’t perfect but it’s where we begin and where we end. And in the midst of it all we have the promise that a Heavenly home awaits us. A place where there will be no more heartache or anxiety, only excitement and joy as we have never known before! They say “Home is where the heart is”. I have definitely put my whole heart into creating a home for my family and more importantly into building in us, one prayer at a time, hearts of faith, so that on some sweet day we will all finally be home together, forever.
