Longing for Home
It was 9:45 on a Monday night when my cell phone rang. It was a number I didn't recognize. There are way too many telemarketers out there offering "free" 3 or 4 night stays in Orlando. "All we ask is that you attend a 15 hour timeshare presentation where we will not take 'no' for an answer even if you're bleeding from the eyes from gouging them out in exasperation."
I did not answer the phone. I noticed a voicemail, though. The director of the children's camp my son was attending called to tell me Kaden was not feeling well. A fever of 102 degrees, sore throat, and coughing: no wonder he didn't feel well.
Driving home, I told Kaden how sorry I was that he had to miss 2 days of summer camp. He croaked, "I don't mind. I just want to be home."
Kaden missed traversing the ropes course, swimming in the lake, hiking, and bunking with friends--all during his last year of camp. He didn't care about any of it. He just wanted to be home. He wanted to be where he was comfortable, where people who loved him would care for him, and where he could rest.
At times, even in the midst of great things--positive job opportunities, enjoyable recreation, or successful ministry, we just want to be home. We can love all that we're about and still ache for home. There's a longing in us to be where we're comfortable, where someone loves us and cares for us, and where we can rest. If that describes your house, your family, your situation, count yourself blessed. However, none of that will be enough to cure the longing for home.
"'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)
Jesus is speaking to His disciples in the upper room in these verses. His encouragement extends to us: we have a place waiting for us in God's house.
"For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come." Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)
We were created for more, a permanent home. As we move through all of the activities in our day, let's remember that no matter how wonderful our home here on earth is, we have a heavenly home waiting for us. If your home is not a place of comfort, love, care, and rest, know that Jesus is preparing our permanent home for us.
