I've noticed that every few days, as I'm going about the daily-ness of life - folding laundry, grocery shopping, arguing with Jack the GPS about the best way to get where we're going - that I am suddenly caught by a strong wind of emotion which I can only put into words this way: "I want to go HOME!"
Since I am mostly happy here in CNY (Central New York), I've been unsure where this feeling was coming from or the reason for its strength and random timing. Is it the natural grief process of leaving the people we love and the places which were so familiar? Is it those crazy pregnant hormones? Is it the enemy trying to distract me from the work God wants to do with us here? I'm thinking that it's probably a combination of all those.
However, it has gotten me thinking though about the whole idea of home, and that fact that "this world is not our home" - a profound truth that I think we often take for granted. I've realized that this longing I have for "home," while legitimate in a certain sense, must be always framed in this truth. The longing to feel comfortable, loved, surrounded by a familiar and reassuring presence, will only be ultimately met in our eternal home with Jesus. This void I feel, while painful, can be a powerful reminder that instead of looking to people (or familiar landmarks for that matter) to meet my needs, I must look to my Savior! When we feel that wonderful sense of "home," we can praise the Lord for what is, literally I believe, a taste of heaven! But when we find ourselves surrounded by the strange and unfamiliar, we can look to our Heavenly Father who has promised us an eternal home with Him in Glory. Hallelujah! Come, Lord Jesus!
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am there you may be also." John 14:1-3
awww,Valerie !! so beautifully expressed.Praying that you will continue to adjust and Syracuse to feel like home soon :)
ReplyDeleteI've had the blessing to watch you and Will be faithful to God.Also,God be faithful to you two.
He's STILL faithful and cares !! He's Good ALL THE TIME !! Love ya and miss ya :)
Valerie..This post really resonated in my heart. While Todd and I have not physically moved away from home as you and Will have, we have over the last few years grieved the loss of many things and have had to adjust to a "new normal" - and at many times we have felt like strangers in our own city. Since life doesn't stop while we grieve, as I attempt to do "the next thing", I too am often taken off guard by the intensity & randomness (as you so aptly put it) of "strong emotion" that strikes me when I least expect it. While I realize that no amount of longing is going to make things return to "the way they were", it doesn't make these moments of pain & loss any less real. It is then I am reminded that we are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, less we lose our way in the darkness, as we wait on Him to reveal light for our next step. Thanks for an excellent & inspiring post. We continue to pray for your family as you adjust to your new home.
ReplyDeleteShannon, thanks so much for your encouraging comment! It is good to know that someone else can relate - and please know that Will and I are praying for your family too!
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