In the past six months I have spent most of my time travelling. This means that I am a long way from anything resembling what anyone would traditionally call home. I have come to realize that the traditional way of looking at home is a narrow definition. Home is more than a place; it is a place where you love and are loved.
A few years ago, Carli gave me a picture that hangs in my office. There are four photos in it. Three represented a place where I had clothes hanging in a closet. Friends in these locations would recognize my address as home. The punch line of the pictures came with the fourth. It was a picture of the three girls in my life. Unless one was in the know, one would not know where it was taken. Above the picture was one word that said it all, “home”. Home is where you love and are loved.
As I travel, I find that there are little homes as well as the big California Home. Each in some way reflects the definition. Life today is not ideal. Everyone I know struggles with a difficulty in some areas or another. It can be painful. It is often difficult. Frustration, anger, and fear are regular parts of our day. In all kinds of moments, we walk into a space where we can find rest. It is as if one writer’s words are my own; “We spent a wonderful three months on Malta. They treated us royally, took care of all our needs and outfitted us for the rest of the journey.” (Acts 28.10)
I have come to value the moments where I can walk with another. In an ideal world, we would walk together for long periods of time. Sadly, life has not given us this gift. However, this does not stop us from finding rest and community. Each day is a gift. People share their hearts and blessing. I hope that I can give this to others as well as they have given it to me.
