An Insightful Moment in the Upper Room

I must confess that I did something that I never do with this lesson – I read all of your entries first, so needless to say, I was not looking forward to this lesson. I was so sure I was going to be disappointed.

And then I read it.

This was one of my favorite ones. It really resonated with me and how I grew up. And I realize that maybe it didn’t strike a chord with some of you because it doesn’t reflect your backgrounds. It wasn’t easily identifiable to you, personally. (Let me just take a moment and say, Jules and CJ, your testimonies have been such an enjoyment to me, and have really helped me understand more of who you really are).

I grew up in a (more or less) traditional southern family. Which means fairly big and close-knit. It also meant a lot of get-togethers, a lot of food and always a lot of fun. “Family first” is the southern motto. Family and Home are pretty much synonymous.

As time has passed, founding members and loved ones have passed on. The kids now are grown and having kids of their own. Its not hard to see that the family quilt is starting to unravel – those ends each forming their own family quilt…. It’s the circle of life…. It happens.

So when Gire brings up the metaphors for “home.” I know exactly what he is talking about. It evokes certain memories and feelings. Its not the food or the presents or the houses themselves, but the family and the love that is important. The feelings of love, acceptance and comfort that brings. The few places that you can always go back to and instantly be a part of something – doesn’t matter how long you’ve been gone. For someone who isn’t familiar with this scene, its easy to get caught up on the “things” & “stuff” that Gire brings up, but its not the stuff itself that is anticipated – it’s the feelings of home these things inspire. Its not the stockings themselves or the presents inside them – but rather the anticipation of something great about to happen – knowing that it was love that put the stuff there.
This lesson made me long for “home” like no other has yet. It reminds me that this earth, this life, is not my home – no matter how comfortable I make it. It made me long for the embrace of my Father. A feeling I still long for on this earth. It renewed my hope of a “home” that Ive never seen before and yet…. I know I still belong there, and when I get there, I will be welcomed with open arms. I will be drawn in and instantly be a part of something greater than myself. Ahhh – “home”, what a wonderful and mysterious thing