Hello Friends. This week’s Blog is written by my dear friend and colleague Deborah Vogt, MA. Her office is right next to mine and we have shared this work and supported one another for about a decade now. I enjoy and respect her tremendously.
Who is there at the end of lonesome roads?
All of us hope there’s a home
A place to rest where wounds get dressed, the table’s full
The sound of laughter in the halls…
“Home at Last” by Josh Garrels
The promise of “arrival” and “rest” is still there for God’s people … at the end of the journey we’ll surely rest with God.
Hebrews 4:9 (MSG)
Perhaps life here is just going to be uncomfortable.
I spent so many years thinking that when I became a mature Christian I would at last be completely comfortable…always at peace, totally trusting, entirely joyful. I smile writing these words, because my experience over the 58 years of my life has been such a mix of things…and I see now that being perfectly comfortable is not even possible!
I am not yet Home.
I never feel completely at ease away from my earthly home, even in the nicest of circumstances. I’m always glad to be back…to walk in the door, set down my bags, climb into my bed, wake up to all that is familiar. It feels even better when the time away has been a challenge! I think our heavenly Home will feel like this, only in ways we cannot now fathom.
Life here on earth is an ongoing journey with all these daily, weekly, monthly, sometimes longstanding seasons of adventure. Some so lovely, some to break one’s heart…all surrounded by the everlasting Love and Presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are never unloved, never alone, never without His strength.
It is imperative that we as children of God and caregivers to those around us remember that we are all on a journey toward Home. That we accept struggle both inside ourselves and out as a normal part of this life and allow these challenges to turn us ever closer to God. Embracing the goodness through gratitude, accepting the challenges in faith.
So love well. Be a reflection of His loving presence to whoever you are journeying with. Look for God’s hand in every situation. Ask Him for wisdom and help. Pray through confusion. Maintain hope.
Home is waiting, and along the way we are always at home with God.