That Final Move

In my thirty-plus moves, this latest one feels more like “home” than any of the others. When we first viewed the property, I instantly felt this was our home. It did happen one other time, not in a house but a country. Our first trip to Scotland for a clan reunion in the north of Edinburgh, I felt as if I belonged in that place. My parents were not ever there, but the sense of being ‘home’ was strong.

This morning’s devotional reading suggests “at the moment of death, we will experience a deep at-homeness.” There will be a contentment beyond any other that gives peace and security not previously known. I agree with this:

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

These days, more courage than ever is needed to feel at home here on earth. Our world has become increasingly unpredictable. Even without the political instability, since we moved to our present home, I’m hard-pressed to remember one day that was without an unusual or unpredictable event, sometimes more than one. For example, just when I thought we were settled, we had an invasion of ants, mild in number but annoying and a scramble to cure that problem. Such a small thing compared to the persecution many Christians endure. Yet even this helps me think of Paul’s words:

I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:23–26)

Even as I feel the effects of aging, unpredictable days, and the mess in this world, there is still a sense that God isn’t finished with me being here and not home with Him. I have no idea what will happen next but He continually surprises me, often with answered prayer. This week one answer related to what seemed an impossible situation in the life of a needy working mom. God changed things using an unexpected visitor and a big fight in her life — both worked together creating a perfect solution that we would never have imagined.

Another surprise happened when my hubby was raking grass, something he didn’t have to do. However the maintenance man stopped to help, then said something that prompted hubby to share the gospel with him. The man admitted he had been thinking about God and needed to know more.

One day our Father will call us to our eternal home and we will gladly go. Right now, the task is remains that I listen to Him and do what He says.

PRAY: Jesus, sometimes the days seem shorter than my to-do list, but I know that You are in charge. The necessary tasks will be done and our desire is to give You glory for Your hand in our lives in this place — and also be delighted to see You when we move to Your home.