All through the trip, there is that knowledge that it's just that, a trip. Sure, at times you are distracted by the things you are seeing, the new cultures you are learning about, but when you go to bed at night you realize...it's not my bed, it's not my home, it's not completely comfortable.
By the end of the trip, especially if it's a really long one, you are so anxious to get home....to your comfort zone, where it's safe and comfortable, where your loved ones are and your own bed!
Last night I went to bed with a very heavy heart. My aunt was put back in the hospital last night with a possible stroke. My neighbor, who was diagnosed with colon cancer over the holidays, was delivered a very bad report from pathology. As I cried out to God in my prayers for these ladies and others of my family and friends that are struggling with difficult issues, I got the overwhelming feeling.....I just want to go home.
You see, this is not my true home....that, my friends is heaven. And some day, either by death or my Savior coming to get me, I will be back home....where it is safe, comfortable, right. Where I won't have to bear the burdens of this world.
But until then, I cling to my Savior's words in John 16:33:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
And Mark 5:36
....Don't be afraid, just believe.
And I continue to pray, and make meals, hug necks, cry and laugh with, study and share God's word and look for ways to serve the people that God has placed in my life.
And in that, I find peace.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!!!
22 comments:
Sara~
Let these words be an encouragement to you as continue to be a rock for those around you.
I pray the Lord give you the strength you need. Part of the scripture below was our son's confirmation verse. Our confirmands pick their own verse.
His was John 14:1.
Jesus Comforts His Disciples
JOHN 14:1-6
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."
Jesus the Way to the Father
5Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
6Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
i know the feeling, and i've asked the same thing, come quickly. especially when things just seem so tough. your aunt and neighbor are in my prayers today.
There are SO many days I feel exactly this...Jesus take me home, and my family too.
It was neat how you started the post, about being away from home, wanting your own bed...was she pulling thoughts out of my head or what, I thought. All I can do on trips is pack, re pack and repack again so I have eveything I need to make home awya from home as much like home so I don't miss home.
I don't really enjoy being away from home. My bed my cat and dog, my kitchen where I know every cupboard. So I get anixous about just hurry up and be the day we go home, so I can unpack and it will be like I never left...
What in th world Jesus must think of me as he watches this craziness...I really do hope He's paying attention because He IS the one making a room for me, right?
Only he can handle that kind of pressure huh?
Sara, you touched my heart today...I am so sorry to hear about your Aunt and neighbor. The verses you picked were wonderful and Luann's. Sending you peace prayers dear Lady!
Very touching post! It is a comfort to know that in all of it, we can find peace.
Sara,
What a poignant post! I've often felt the same feelings, "I'm ready to go home!" But then I feel guilt. Is it bad to think that way? To want to scurry through the blessings and trials that the Lord has put us on earth for?
I'd love to hear your insight on this.
Hugs,
Ohilda - who will be praying for yoru neighbors and of course, your aunt. I'm so sorry.
Ohilda,
No, I don't think there is guilt in longing for home. Christ tells us that he has gone to prepare a place for us, that we are foreigners in this land, that we should be watching and anticipating his return. We should look forward and yes, long for the day when we can see him face to face.
However, longing for that time does not paralyze us here on earth. It should do quite the opposite. It should cause us to desire to complete the mission he has called us to...go and make disciples.
Yes, many days I long to be home. but I also long to hear the words "well done good and faithful servant" when I get there.
Sara
Isn't it so wonderful that Christ didn't leave us here alone, but gave us the Holy Spirit to live in us and comfort us. I pray you find comfort in Him. Won't it be wonderful when we can see Him face to face.
It makes me think of 2 songs. Amy Grant sang "In a Little While we'll be with the Father can't you see Him Smile? In a Little while we'll be home forever, in a while....
She also sang "Another Time in Another Place. We'll be captured by one look at Jesus' face."
Homesickness is a familiar feeling for me. Sorta bittersweet. I just tighten up my pilgrim shoes and my pilgrim belt and press on.
I ache with you as you support you friends and loved ones in their trials. I have felt this way so much lately. When I was a kid, I just didn't get why adults were so anxious for heaven. .. I wanted to grow up and get married and live my life. Now the more heartache and trials I see and experience, it's all clear! I echo your prayer!
That is a very comforting passage. I need some comfort right now so I think I will read some more. Thanks.
I share your frustration. We've had two friends die recently, and a big problem drop in our laps that I cannot discuss. So, I sigh with you.
Me too...me too.
Beautiful post, Sara...thanks so much for sharing it!
TCKK makes the point of my own comment.
Scripture sure does back up the emotions you struggle with today and the desire of your heart go home and see His Face! But we do have a ministry here on earth - we have no idea the lives we touch while we are "in the world but not of it..."
May the Holy Spirit guide you and comfort you today so you can continue to minister where you are!
~esthermay
Sara,
I know what you are talking about. Sometimes life down here on earth is really hard. In the blogging world sometimes we don't really expose our true selves. But we all hurt and have hurts the same. And in that same manner we will all share in the reward and peace that will come when we enter into the gates of heaven. I can hardly wait, especially now that my Mom is there...
Amen, Sara. Perfectly put. And exactly how I feel too.
I've been there, my friend, and I know exactly what your heart is crying for.
Praying for your aunt - I know it's such a difficult time.
You are inspiring, Sara.
Whenever I feel uncomfortable in my own skin, sad, out of sorts...I remember that instead of feeling guilty for feeling that way, I can remember this. I'm never going to be completely comfortable here, it's not my home. And just thinking that strips away some of the bad things since it brings me hope for a day where I'll be completely comfortable being me. With Him.
Great post.
Prayers being said for your neighbor and aunt... Big hugs to you!
I just listen to a sermon on heaven as I cleaned yesterday and he was saying the same thing. love it love it, can't wait to be home!
I feel like this most of the time Sara. I can't wait to go home. I so look forward to what He is preparing for us.
Praying that He would be your Strength and Comfort.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
This is the song that always reminds me that the sorrow,pain and tribulation we have to endure here is not forever.
it makes the thought of "losing" someone (who knows the Lord) a whole lot easier to swallow don't you think?
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