Feeling At Home

Feeling at home is an interesting phenomenon. A lot of times we put a tremendous amount of emphasis as home as place, but today, I want to talk to you about how home can sometimes mean more about the people in our presence. Years ago, I worked for the Department of Taxation. I became really good friends with one of my co-workers there. We took lunch breaks together, shared the challenges of working and going to school with one another, spent Friday nights together, and even worshiped together at each others churches. Sadly, after working together for a couple of years we both went our separate ways. I began a ministry position at an area church, and she eventually joined the military and moved to another country. After years of not communicating, this week a text came in from her on my phone. Seeing her name pop up was like feeling at home. This weekend, my best friend came down for a brief visit. She lives a few hours away, so I do not get to see her often. I warned her that my physical home was a mess, but that I could not wait to see her. For two hours we sat at my kitchen table amongst unopened mail, scattered piles of legos, and Easter decorations yet to be put away. We ate turkey sandwiches and shared chips out of a tall Pringles can in the center of the covered table. I felt at home. Today my family worshiped at a church we had never been to on a Sunday morning before. However, when we walked into a completely new environment and worship experience we saw familiar faces of people who play vital roles in our lives. A father and brother of a friend who is basically a sister to me, a friend's spouse and child, an older woman whose wisdom surpasses them all, and a preacher who holds a special place in our lives. I felt at home. Life can take us to some pretty far off places. Some very dark, uncomfortable, and etched with sorrow. Sometimes we journey into new adventures that are filled with excitement and joy. Life is full of mystery and uncertainty, and sometimes we can feel so lost and far from anywhere that feels like home. However, let us remember to make sure we are taking the time to be in the presence of those who play a part in our walk with Christ. These are the people, those a part of the family of God, who give us encouragement, wisdom, and joy. God places them along our path, and in them we are often reminded of that feeling of being at home and the feeling of peace God promises us in His Word.

"Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." ~Hebrews 10:23-25