I have not been home in over two years.
Lately, I've been thinking I might never go back, except maybe to get
the things I left there. However, I seem to be drawn to the idea of
homes, in general. Especially during this wonderful Christmas season,
as we make our “friends and family” circuit for the third time
since we set out on our great adventure.
Each time we come back into
civilization, I notice more changes. In ourselves, mostly, as many of
the places we visit seem to be clipping along at the same pace as
when we left, with the same activities. Getting caught up in it all
is much like slipping into an empty space of freeway: one must either
keep up, or get run over. I don't like that part. But I don't see how
one can visit those places without getting involved. I would
seriously contemplate going virtual, except half the people I need to
see can't operate a computer.
This year, we have had to speed up our
normal routine and widen our loop, in order to accommodate family
members facing some medical issues. Which led to bouncing in and out
of the other homes at the rate of watching a movie on fast forward. Still, I
have not missed out on the fun things of the season. With Christmas
shopping in one city, tree-decorating in another, the Captain and I
are now off to Texas, to enjoy the delight children take in all the
little things (my absolute favorite, too). Like gingerbread
creations, neighborhood lights, and holiday programs. And while each
house is different, I can still feel the heartbeat of each home, as
well as the love and warmth of family and friends.
God is so good to have brought us such
a long way without having to miss out on any of these special family things.
Hmm...
I wonder if maybe all of life isn't
supposed to be something like that, too. Being on this long journey
and out of touch most of that time has changed my perspective a
bit. Having to leave so many things I was responsible for completely
to heaven, has led me to discover how much better God can orchestrate
my life than I can. Without all the worry and anxiety attached. Not
to mention I suddenly have more time on my hands to do those things only I can do. More time to think and write the stories that are truly on my
heart. Oh, yes, and I'm thinking a lot about home, these days, too.
But not the one I left behind...
It's the one I can see just up ahead.
***
GLORY REPORT: The Lord has delightfully
restored the computer and phone that fell into the ocean with me in
Canada, and I am well on my way to being “back in business,”
again. So, in the next few weeks, I'll be sharing about the
many divine appointments, footsteps, and out-and-out interventions we
have encountered since the last time I posted. As well as what's
coming up next for the Captain and I... something that might turn
into our biggest adventure of all!
