HOME

This past week I was able to close on my house which meant I had to get all my stuff out and into some new space.  The problem was, I didn’t have a ‘new space.’  It’s a funny thing to pull up anchor and not know where you’ll next establish roots.  Thinking back, there were a few aimless months after college where I didn’t quite know where I would settle.  There was also that time the lease on my remodeled rental suddenly came calling.  I’ve been here before, in transition with no landing place, and it always worked out (not without some generous friends and family).  God is good, right (and you all aren’t so bad yourself)?

This transition makes me evaluate the definition of ‘home.’  The sale of my property required a few repairs (and headaches) before closing.  I had to fix my home so someone else could make it their home.  As I sorted through my belongings and decided what to keep and what to let go of, I was reminded of specific memories from my many decades.  Is ‘home’ a physical place or is it a feeling (comfort, security, peacefulness)?  The Israelites were made to wander the desert for 40 years, at ANY point did it feel like home?  Most likely ‘no’ but I wonder, is ‘home’ physical, emotional, or some combination of the two?

My “domicile” at 1106 N Gordon was 14 years (almost) in the making.  It was my home.  It was my retreat.  It was a space where I could recharge.  Even though it was only brick, wood, shingles, drywall, carpet, and paint it was still incredibly meaningful to me.  It was modest by North American standards (some might even say barren) but it was fulfilling for my comfort and security.  The pattern of the streets into the neighborhood, the sounds and rhythems of the people, the comfort of knowing God revealed things to me within those four walls, and many other attributes contributed to my comfy space.  It makes me sad to leave such a familiar space.  Ecclesiastics 5:19 reads, “Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.”

What a gift it was!  God gifted me a home.  It was what I needed, when I needed it.

It is always good to hear from you.  I’ll pose the question to you, how do you define ‘home?’

1)  Sovereign Lord, you know the timing to complete my funding pledges.  You control the ‘when.’  I am obedient to your plans.

2)  Lord, guide my heart through this time of transition.

3)  Jesus, I pray your glory and authority on the Burundi people.  When the world talks of a poor and unhappy nation I know you are present there.  You bring joy and righteousness!!