One definition of home is, “The locality where a thing is usually found, or was first found…” The locality where a thing is usually found, or was first found…home…what does it mean to y
ou?
Over the past couple of months, the word, “home” has been in the forefront of my mind and my actions. My parents after 39 years in one home made the decision to move to an assisted living facility. I stood with my mother looking at the walls of her den filled to capacity with books and treasures she had accumulated over the years. The apartment is a small, one bedroom apartment. What to take? What to leave? What to save? What to throw away? It was too much to take in emotionally! Home wasn’t home anymore. I realized that my mom could not make the decision right then. So I took her back to her "new home" to care for my step-dad. I lost track of the trips we all made moving those things that were necessary and then the final trips were for the things that made the new location feel " homey."
With a hammer and a few nails the rooms began to take shape. It was finally becoming a home. Isn’t it funny (not really) but interesting that sometimes treasured items can change a barren wall into a place where love lives? The new “home” began to take on an identity unto itself. Home was finally looking like home to my mom.
ou?Over the past couple of months, the word, “home” has been in the forefront of my mind and my actions. My parents after 39 years in one home made the decision to move to an assisted living facility. I stood with my mother looking at the walls of her den filled to capacity with books and treasures she had accumulated over the years. The apartment is a small, one bedroom apartment. What to take? What to leave? What to save? What to throw away? It was too much to take in emotionally! Home wasn’t home anymore. I realized that my mom could not make the decision right then. So I took her back to her "new home" to care for my step-dad. I lost track of the trips we all made moving those things that were necessary and then the final trips were for the things that made the new location feel " homey."
With a hammer and a few nails the rooms began to take shape. It was finally becoming a home. Isn’t it funny (not really) but interesting that sometimes treasured items can change a barren wall into a place where love lives? The new “home” began to take on an identity unto itself. Home was finally looking like home to my mom.
This past weekend our youngest son and his family came to celebrate his birthday. At his request (a yellow cake with chocolate icing), his youngest daughter and I made cupcakes. Our son LOVES “Star Wars.” You will note the decoration are the heroes from the “Star Wars” Movie. He loved the cupcakes and the decorations. It touched his heart and made him smile. Home…where there is a thing usually found or was first found…love.
This morning I learned that my step-dad is having to move again. His doctors have recommended that he be placed in hospice. We will be helping him choose where he will “live” until he makes the final journey…home. While I don’t know where he will choose to “live” for now, I do know where his final home is…Heaven.
Scriptures promise us that this world is not our final home…we are simply passing through.
Scriptures promise us that this world is not our final home…we are simply passing through.
Home means many things to me. It means where you are safe, accepted, loved, where your requests for your favorite treat is there when you arrive. Home is where Jesus is.
Please post your thoughts on home?
Please post your thoughts on home?
2 comments:
It's so difficult to watch the people we love as they age. I'm still grappling with this one, too. Love what you wrote, though, and I'm so proud of you. You are one amazing lady of strength and grace.
Home...I have moved every 2 years of my life (mostly internationally). I always said home was where my parents are living, even though that changed often. I can't bear the thought of ever loosing them. Because I move so much, I do look forward to my eternal home because that is where I will put my roots!
I am Shanda from the Soli Deo Gloria small group. Nice to meet you.
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