The Home That Travels With You

My awesome cousin Sam is venturing out on his own - to a different state - to be a preacher. 

I am - and have been for a long time - in awe of him. He's one of those people that is friends with everyone, an inspiration to everyone. A networker from birth who uses his relationships to share all good things. A hero to the littles, a joy to the elderly, and a friend to everyone in between. 

Lots of families live far apart  - so I am fully aware that I am entirely spoiled by my close physical proximity to my extended family.

Quite selfishly, I don't like that he'll be farther away. But, I am so proud of who he is, and I'm excited for the experiences he will have and the things he will do. 

So here's my note to him - to remind him of a few of the best parts of our family - the parts we are blessed to share - the parts that he can carry with him no matter where he travels to. 

♥️

→  The Home That Travels With You ←

You’re leaving home.

For new adventures. For important callings. 

For noble intentions and doings.

And some days it will feel fantastic.

Some days you will so obviously be in the right place.

New sights. New people. New friends. 

Important works. Breakthrough learnings.

May those days be plentiful and cherished.

But some days … Some days you will just miss home.

And, so, let me remind you of something

something so beautiful, so wonderful, so important

That it will get you through even the toughest days.

The kind of home our family has built is not a home you can move away from.

Oh sure, you’ll have a new bedroom and a new dining room table.

A new roommate will pester you and be pestered by you.

Someone will charge you rent.

Different people will see you on the daily.

But our home goes with you. You can’t escape it.

While you are gone, in your new place …. You’ll find home there with you.

It’s enriched deep within your heart, and in your subconscious it remains.

You will drive down a quiet gravel road and think of the farm, 

It’s likely you’ll chase a stray cow back in the field or help a farmer out…

You will wonder what Uncle Jamie would say, and you will be home.

You will open your Bible to study and hear the wisdom of Grandpa Jess -

You will bow your head,  and you will be home.

As you wander the halls of your house you’ll straighten a mess,

And think of your parents and Rebecca, and be flashed back to home.

Someone will cook you a delicious meal and invite you to sit around their table,

And you will think of Grandma, and Aunt Nina, and your Momma, 

You will smile - tell a story - and be home.

Eventually you’re bound to sit on someone’s front porch and visit, 

And you won’t be able to help picturing Uncle Jim sitting in a black chair - 

You’ll chuckle a little, and you will be home.

An excited child will squeal your name and tackle-hug you.

And as you hug them back and wind them up just a tad - oh, you will find home there.

If you listen close, someone will sigh an Uncle Steve sigh. 

Robbie’s sarcasm will find you in the form of someone else.

Someone will play guitar while you sing along at a get together like Isaac.

And in those moments, there are pieces of home.

You will open your own home for a Bible study and think of Heather and Josh.

You will mentor someone in need, and wonder what Aunt Alisha would say.

You will step up to the plate. Every time.

And in each situation you will draw on your home.

Your home is here. It will be waiting eagerly for your physical presence.

But we won’t wait idly by.

It will be with you - surrounding you - both encouraging you and grounding you.

Your home - deep in your heart - remains no matter where your body goes..

Draw on it. Expand on it.

Call to talk about it …. 

Or trust me - “it” will call you to talk about it.

And when you visit and bring stories to share and new learnings to impart.

You  might say “It’s good to be home”, 

but you will also smile, knowing a part of you never left.