Hi Friends– This is a little article I wrote for our the Women’s Blog at our church. And the subject is dear to my heart– so I thought I would share it with you here…
TRUE HOME
Not too long ago I was mixing up muffins in the kitchen with our small grand daughter when she asked, “Grandma, what happens when you die?” I smiled, glad to tell her about my hope of a home in heaven and the joy forever there. She thought for a moment and responded, “When I die, I think I’ll be a mermaid!” (We need to continue our conversation on this topic).
And it set me to thinking. I tend to love making my home here in this world, our small house, meals with friends, calls from our kids, our tidy little retirement savings—trying to find security and rest in the things I gather around me.
But C.S. Lewis’ words bring me up short.
“The security we crave would teach us to rest our hearts in this world and pose an obstacle to our return to God; a few moments of happiness, of love, a landscape, a symphony, a merry meeting with our friends, a bathe, or a football match, have no such tendency. Our Father refreshes us on the journey with some pleasant inns, but will not encourage us to mistake them for home.”
Home. I love the idea of heaven as my true home, a place where tears are no more and God’s glorious presence is our light.
After a long battle with cancer, my father was in his last days at the hospital. The family would circle around him and talk and sing to him. One of his old favorites was:
The world is not my home. I’m just a passin’ through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from Heaven’s open door.
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
“Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set you mind on things above, not on earthly things.”
— Colossians 3:1-2
Heaven, my heart’s true home. Sometimes I scarcely think of heaven, but truly that’s where I want to set my heart and mind. It’s a comfort to know it’s ahead for us—with dear ones we love who’ve gone there before us, with people at peace from every corner of this world, with the joy of unending days before our Lord. My true and glorious home.
.
P.S. thanks Jodi for the photo of your home in Ojai Valley
This is so beautiful! I love the idea of heaven as our true home– it makes the idea of dying a little less scary.
A beautiful post Rhonda. I look forward to being reunited with my loved ones too and my bleloved animal friends. 🌼
This is beautiful. I’m nomadic and travel, my heart always restlessly searching for the place which truly feels like, “Home.” I have full 100% faith in the belief that when I die, I’ll be ‘home’ and will finally rest in the joy of being with my Father in Heaven. I’m in no hurry to get there, but I know it’s the final destination and there’s a sweet peace in knowing.
So beautifully written Dawn. It does give sweet peace. And– fun to find your blog! I would love t been perusing the country in an RV with my Larry! Happy travels!
absolutely wonderful, Rhonda — thank you…He has gone to prepare a place that where He is, we may be also. A long time faith mentor recently reminded me as we prayed for an ill friend, that Jesus said, those who believe in Him WILL NEVER DIE. What a glorious truth!!
It is a glorious truth Susan. Wonderful to have that sure and blessed hope. Love hearing from you– and reading your beautiful blog. xox
Lovely! Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Shirley. loved your Bucket List post! I want to add a few or your ideas to my own list!! thanks.
A very beautiful post full of warmth, belief and very poignant. Thank you I am very touched
So glad to hear this from you Rosie. You are always so encouraging. hugs friend.
What a beautiful post. Heaven will be home one day. This is filled with so much warmth and love. Many blessings to you. 💖
Thanks Lisa. So thankful to have the hope of heaven. God bless you and your family as well. xo
Beautifully said Rhonda!💝
thanks Ursula. Loved your tumeric late. thanks.
A beautiful post, Rhonda. Thank you.
cate
thanks Cate– I know your heart on this. Blessings to you all there… xox
Rhonda, what a beautiful and inspiring post! I look forward to entering heaven someday too! Hugs😘❤
Hi Mary– isn’t it a comfort to know what’s ahead? so thankful. hugs hugs– stay warm!!
It sure is, Rhonda. Blessings friend😊💗
Amen to that! This has also made me think of the role of struggles that I encounter in college life – whether it’s with grades, suite mates or work at the college office. Sadness and trials may be galling, but through my experiences I realised that I came out of it knowing more about myself and gaining confidence in the new limits of my ability. And perhaps that’s why God made our earthly lives so colourful and diverse – so that in our struggles we can learn not to be inured to His grace, but remember His faithfulness to us and the profound love and joy we can find in Him.
Love this Moony. Truly do. “so that in our struggles we can learn not to be inured to His grace, but remember His faithfulness.” Beautifully written. We are going through a pretty intense struggle right now and it has opened my heart to the depth of God’s faithfulness. Love your
Rhonda, this is such an inspiring post! ❤ :-* Thank you for sharing! Hugs!!!
Beautiful Rhonda. Thanks for sharing with us too.
thanks Lacey– I’m so thankful we have this hope. hugs from here friend.
It sure is. Blessings to you and hugs. ❤
Thank you for sharing your honest and touching words Rhonda. You said this in your post: “Heaven, my heart’s true home.” I wanted you to know that sometimes I feel this ache, this absence, this homesickness on earth. It tells me I am from somewhere that I long to see again. 🙂
I know Debra! As much joy and fullness in life we can sometimes find here– I can just imagine the constance of being in God’s presence. That will be home. Love your writing, your posts. I’ll keep checking in for what you write ahead… xo
Wherever we find God, we are home.
Love that Autumn– so deeply true. You are amazing. xo
Oh! I mean Debra! (sorry!)
Thank you, you too. And I finally wrote another post! After 2 months, I am feeling better. 🙂
So glad Debra. xo
Nicely written, Rhonda!
thanks Marcia– you are always so kind. hugs!
Rhonda, this is truly beautiful and you’ve brought me to tears. You can tell your granddaughter, though, that I think I might like to be a mermaid, too, just as a temporary home, though. 🙂
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