Let’s face it.
I’m a homebody. I love love LOVE my family, my dog, my friends, my church, my job, and my hometown/state. I would (and have) do ANYTHING for my family and friends. So when I said yes to God about going on the Race, I knew I would battle homesickness at times, especially around the holidays.
Oh boy, did I ever.
On Christmas Eve, after our Secret Santa gift exchange, hike to the white tent (an open-air restaurant around the corner) for hot Milo, a rousing game of Fishbowl, and a showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” I lay in my bed. I looked at my watch and determined that since it was past midnight, I could open my Christmas cards. Before I left, my parents, grandparents, and my friend Brooke wrote cards for me to open on special days. Future Racers, have your family and friends do this! It’s so comforting to have their words and their handwriting as a piece of home on the Race.
But as I read their words and traced their handwriting, I was so homesick. I started crying, picturing all their faces and what they would be doing for Christmas. At that moment, I really really really missed home. I started preparing for a nice little pity party, complete with Christmas music.
Then God spoke.
“Vallory. I know you’re homesick. And that’s okay. It means you long for home and family because of the love and support you have there. Your home is an amazing place; I should know, I put you there for a reason. Take comfort in Me, though. My Son got homesick on His journey too. I know exactly how you feel.”
Wow. The God of the universe knows how I feel? He knows what homesickness feels like? I mean, it made perfect sense. Who wouldn’t be homesick for an incredible place like Heaven? Who wouldn’t miss intimate and constant contact with the Father?
As these words were whispered into my ear, and I felt the arms of my Savior and Best Friend enfold me, I knew that there will still be days of homesickness. But I will forever choose to rely on God and to thank Him for the blessing of my life back home.
