The Way Home

In my Father’s house are many rooms, if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  John 14:2

Home is defined as the place where one lives permanently.   For most of us these days, physical homes aren’t what they used to be.  For a girl who lived her whole growing up life in one home, the Methodist system provided me with a new perspective on the word, home, as each new parsonage provided an opportunity to create a new home.

Randy and I had the opportunity to spend time with our Purcell grandchildren in Buford for a few days last month.  We are not totally familiar with the area there, so sometimes we rely on the boys to direct us.  On the first morning as I was taking Reese to school, I said, “OK, Reese, tell me the best way to get to your school this morning.”  Reese replied, “Oh, I can’t help you there, I don’t know the way to school, but I do know the way home.”

Home can mean so many different things in our lives – hometown, homegrown, home away from home, home plate, home cookin’,  present home, future home, past home, eternal home, and dozens of other things.

Two years ago as we sold my family home, I discovered something that has changed my perspective.  I did fine with the closing until the final signature which would deliver my growing up home into someone else’s hands.  As I teared up, the buyer reached his hand across the table, patted my hand, and said,  “Don’t you worry, we will take good care of your Mama’s house.”

That’s when I realized that a house is just a building with walls and a roof.  Our Mama isn’t the occupant of that home anymore. The memories, the security, the peace, the love, and the joy within those walls are what makes it a home.  We will always have that.  Just like Reese, I can always find my way back to that place in my heart and my mind.

This year we have sent several friends and family members home.  The good news here is that they are now in their permanent, eternal home.  There is no more moving, readjusting, or stress.  They are in the home that Jesus prepared for them.

It’s so comforting to know that Jesus provides a way for us to always find our way home.  C.S. Lewis says there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.