Where’s Home?
October 10, 2011
I’ve been living overseas for more than 10 months now. When I say overseas, I mean far far away from anywhere I have ever lived before. Wellington, New Zealand is more than 8000 miles away from my previous residence, my home state, or Mom and Dad’s house. Time to time I experience that phenomena known as homesickness. It’s hard to guess the times I will experience it, but the best predictor is a significant event involving family or friends. My brother’s graduation from university, my close friend’s engagement, the Indy 500, a church anniversary, or singing a familiar song have all brought on feelings of a longing for home in the past year. All this begs the question: What is home? Some say “Home is where the heart is.” Webster says home is “the place where one’s domestic affections are centered.” Maya Angelou said, “You can never go home again, but the truth is you never leave home, so it’s all right.” All these voices attempt to place a finger on the pulse of what exactly home is, but each falls short when my heart aches for something greater.
Several months ago at The Street City Church, we sang a song called “The One Who Saves” by Hillsong. The chorus goes like this:
We have found our peace
We have found our rest
In the One who loves us
He will light the way
He will lead us home
As we offer all
To the One who saves us
At the time I was experiencing some of that desire to be back where things were more familiar, but the song broke through my distraction and reminded me of where home truly is. The New Testament is filled with references to heaven being the true home for those who are in Christ. The clearest passage comes from Philippians 3:20: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…”. This verse gives me tremendous hope, a bit of discouragement, and a challenge at the same time. Hope because the longing in my heart isn’t for a geographic location, but for my true home and dwelling with Jesus – and because this longing will one day be fulfilled. Discouragement because as long as I stay here on earth, I will continue to experience a holy homesickness. A challenge because wherever I’m sent in the future, regardless of how familiar or comfortable it is, the longing to be at home with Jesus should continue.
It’s easy to forget where home is when we’re proud of our birthplace, surrounded by those that love and know us, or resting on our favorite couch. I’m thankful for this time in New Zealand to be reminded of my citizenship and where I truly belong.
