Home

I will say of the  Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2 NIV)

I love words!  A word used well can paint a picture that evokes every bit as much emotion as can a paintbrush in the hands of the old masters.  Two words may be synonyms, but one of those words may touch a chord in our hearts while the other one doesn't.  For instance, "house" and "home."

When I hear the word "house" I think of a mortgage and the endless list of repairs and upkeep required.  But the word "home" immediately calms and brings joy to my heart.  It evokes images of my husband, children and grandchildren; meals shared; holidays celebrated; important discussions and happy news imparted.  It is somewhere I am accepted and even loved for who I am... warts and all and somewhere that I am allowed to see the more vulnerable and imperfect side of those I love.

Certainly all our homes have a more difficult side with some not so pleasant memories as well.  We are human after all.  And sadly, there are some for whom the word "home" paints a very ugly picture and brings on a feeling of anxiety.  But for the most part, "home" paints a picture of love, acceptance and grace.

The authors of the Book of Psalms often speak of God as our home.  Not only being at home WITH God, but of our actual home BEING God.  He is a home that casts out the imperfections of an earthly home.  Resting in God means finding love, peace, joy and grace... all of the time.  God IS home.

Father,
Help me to live in you... to let you truly be my home.  Amen.

Joys: a sleepover with Cecelia.. I missed her while she was sick; a couple of sunshiney, not too cold days; home