About two weekends ago, I went back home to Center, TX, my hometown here in the U.S. To visit parents and relatives, and also to go to my friends’ wedding.
It is about a 5 hour drive.
It is never easy for me to go back home. For one, I don’t have a car to just drive back any weekend that i want to. I also don’t like long car rides. Then again, most of these two are really just an excuse. Frankly, a part of me never wanted to go back home due to other things. I actually haven’t been back home for two years until this past winter, and then again this weekend.
There were too many bad memories I guess
Negative emotions both from internal conflicts and conflicts with other people
Years of disbelief
Years of questions, never answered
Years of feeling lonely and alone
Depression
Loss
Rebellion and teenage angst
I was dreading it. How would I act around my parents? My relatives? Friends I haven’t seen in two years? That one friend I had a falling out with?
Instead, what welcomed me is the warmth embrace of my family.
The welcoming character of my relatives.
A wedding full of friends to catch up with.
Positive memories in the making.
Long overdue conflicts being resolved with a “hi” and a hug.
In many ways, God surprised me that weekend. I have always felt Center, TX to be dreadful. What God taught me however is to never forget my story. As horrible as high school year was with all its drama and conflicts within family and friends, it is still a huge part of my story. They play a part of why I want to do the WorldRace. These experiences have an impact on what God was called me to do. Most importantly, they play a part of how I have personally changed all for God’s story.
What is your story?
What part of your life are you suppressing?
How can God still use that part of your story for His glory?
Center, TX used to be dreadful. It was a long way home, but for that weekend, I was glad to be back home.
