Home Is Where I Belong

There’s no place like home! Home, sweet home! Home is where the heart is! All of these sayings bring to the surface one point for many people. Home. A place of safety, comfort, stability, peace, love, and many other emotions are what come to mind when we have a home. While that may not be the case for everyone, those types of feelings rise to the surface when that is what we seek. I don’t know about you, but when I’m at work, even on the best of days, I am so happy when the day is over and I can head home. I experience the same feeling when I’m traveling. I’m a nature girl and I love being places where I can watch and listen to the waves. I’d go every day if I could. I absolutely love it. Yet, I’m always very happy when I return to my home turf.

Home is much more than a place we live. It’s truly our heart and it’s where we desire to be. It’s a place where we belong and feel welcome. It’s impossible to overstay a welcome at home! We can be ourselves. Right before Christmas, I had a conversation with a colleague about holiday plans. My original plan had been to enjoy the comforts of home by indulging in a jigsaw puzzle or perhaps a book, all while wearing a cozy pair of pajamas. When my plans changed, I was discomforted by the fact that I lost an indoor day! I’d have to go to someone else’s house for nearly the full day. No! That’s what happens when we are comfortable and that’s not a horrible thing sometimes. Especially when we need downtime.

The many questions that rise to the surface when I think back to that experience show me what happens when our comfort zone is stripped, however momentarily. It becomes a mental drain even before you venture out, right? How many people will be there? Do I know anyone other than the host? How’s the parking? Are there adequate restrooms? What if the food’s not good? How long do I have to stay? I’m sure I’m not the only one whose mind has been bombarded with questions like these when they are preparing to venture away from home. These moments, however, reinforce how in our hearts, there just is no place like home. I don’t have to worry about the answer to any of those questions because I know everything will be okay. Afterall, home is where I belong.

I had the opportunity to do a study on tabernacles and God’s presence a few weeks ago and this sense of home really began to resonate with me. Many times throughout the bible, you can find a variety of verses that reveal God’s desire to dwell among us. Even in moments when feeling irrelevant or unwanted, that understanding began to help me delve deeper into understanding the love that God has for us. He desires to reside with us. To have a place of belonging in our lives. So that no matter where we are, what we do, or even what we’re going through, we know that it concerns him. This has been helpful encouragement for me especially when I’m going through a difficult time. If I’m feeling discomfort, fear, uncertainty, doubt, or any other similar emotion, then that’s an opportunity for me to pause and refocus. For me, recognizing those emotions helps me identify a drift from home. While some comfort zone shifting is generally needed in our lives, it’s different when the shift strips away my sense of belonging and purpose in Christ. So as we embark on this new year, spend each day being more intentional than the day before about allowing God pride of place in our lives. When we do that, we’ll find that there truly is no place like home, no matter where it may be. 

Stay Sunny!

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