Coming Home - To A Place Called - Home

Traveling a long time gives one plenty of time to ponder many things.  Last week as I was driving on the last segment of my journey to Africa, I began to ponder – What does “home” mean to me?  I use the word to communicate how I feel about a certain place and people.  All who know me know that one of the contenders for my “home” love is Alabama.  I love Alabama.  I was raised in Mobile and graduated from the University of Alabama.  I frequently tell people that I am heading home to SWEET HOME ALABAMA!

But then, God has me stopped short of Alabama.  I’m now in Mississippi.  I call Mississippi home too.  Here I have been reunited with my sister.  God has allowed us to get to know each other better, in fact, better than we have our entire lives.  I have also made many new friends here who have added so much to my life.  The community of Daleville is small but people with genuine authenticity live here --- with a variety of different personalities.  They support the work I do in the community and in Africa.  Daleville, Mississippi is also my home.

Rwanda is also a place I call home.  I made friends there on my first trip to Africa and I always seem to feel that once again I have arrived home when I visit her land of one thousand hills.

Kenya is another place I have called home as well.

There are times when I reunite with friends who I have not seen for a while who make me feel at home.  You know the type.  You can pick up the conversation where you left off and feel like you’ve not missed a thing.  No matter the geographic location, I am at home when I am with them.

On this last trip to Rwanda, I experienced several home comings…. Rwanda, Alabama, Mississippi and the connections with longtime friends.  But in reality, none of these places are my home.  I’m only on earth for a season while I live for eternity. This earth is not my real home.  I am here only for a short while to do the work God has given me to do.  When I am finished here, I will THEN return to my TRUE home.

I look forward to my days in God’s presence while in my earthly home, but truly look forward with great anticipation my glorious homecoming for eternity…in God’s time.