I heard the words, “Welcome home” as I walked through customs in Atlanta. I was on a quick layover, then headed to LAX before heading to the Philippines. Those words brought joy but so much sadness too. For I knew I wouldn’t be staying long, nor would I be home for another 8 months. Home is a funny thing, you don’t always realize what you have around you till it’s not there. I thought I would be fine… I wasn’t. A couple of hours later we landed in LAX, so many of my squadmates met up with family and friends. I watched all the happy greetings and quietly choked back tears. They were unexpected and I hated them.
I’ve moved a lot. At one point I lived in Brussels, Belgium. It wasn’t the easiest time in my life. In fact it was really hard. I would get very angry at my parents when they told me I should be happy and thankful. I was with my family, I was home. I would smartly tell them, “Home is where the heart is, and my heart is not here.” Yeah, not one of my prouder moments. Home was back in the states with all my friends, with people who spoke my language. A place where life didn’t seem so complicated, or so I thought. Brussels was a growing experience, as is the World Race. I’ve contemplated this statement, “Home is where the heart is,” a lot on the Race. People talk about finding the place where their heart beats a little faster, where they fall in love with the people, and the ministry. I’ve not had that moment yet. I’ve fallen in love with people, with my teams, with my squad, and with my God.
If my heart is with God where it should be that’s where my home should be, right? The longer I’m gone from my family and friends back in the states, I realize there is a peace and a belonging with them, they are home. But home is where my heart is, and my heart is with God. I’m learning to make each place that He sends me like home. I may not be the most comfortable, or relaxed in the physical location but my heart is at peace. It is at home. My physical home is in Austin, Texas. The home where my heart lies is with my Savior, Jesus Christ. He is where I place my trust, my identity, and my love. So even though I’m thousands of miles from my physical home, my heart is at rest. It is safe in the hands of my God. So yes, “Home is where the heart is,” it’s with Jesus.
