Thursday, January 29, 2015

Homesick


Homesick.  That edgy feeling that I'm out of water and thrashing for air like a fish.  That deep down pain that needs the comforts of home to alleviate it.

You would think at my age (uh-hem, 59!) that I wouldn't get homesick anymore.

But I do.

I have always been the one who hated to spend the whole night at a friend's home because I felt insecure and afraid.  Homesick.

Even as an adult I have been homesick .  Like when we vacationed at Disney World.  I was dead-tired.  So tired I could not keep my eyes open, but still wanting my bed and smells and comforts of home.  (When we got home, I was ready to turn around and fly back south as there was nearly 2 feet of snow to be trudged through at our car!)


Yet, today, this day when I'm, well, you know how old, I am still homesick.  But this homesickness is a bit different.  I have it even when I'm home, in my earthly home.

Homesick for heaven.

I wonder sometimes if you can be homesick for a place you have never been to.  Is that possible?

Homesick for heaven.

Crazy?  Maybe.

But I have my reasons.  First of all, who doesn't yearn to see God face to face?  Who would not long for that?

And a place where the sun shines because the Son shines.  I'm in!

And the 'ole stand-by, a place with no more tears, death or pain.  Ahhh, so need this.

And when The Pain has forced me to remain at home, I've wondered, even prayed, "LORD, why do you terry?"

Today, (as I write this) Liz Curtis Higgs sent me her latest blog (http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/).  And she pointed me to 2 Peter 3, as if God was speaking directly to me.

It begins in verse 8's well-known words.

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years,
and a thousand years as one day.

I understand that last part.  It can seem like a 1,000 years when you are up all night with a fussy baby, or recovering from an illness.  It's been a few years since a day zipped by WAY too quickly.

But what caught my attention this time through 2 Peter 3 is in verse 15:

...and regard the patience of the Lord to be salvation...

Wait!  What?  God's patience is salvation?

Now why have I never noticed that part?  I know that verse 9 tells me that the Lord is not slow but patient.

...but [He] is patient toward you,
not wishing for any to perish 
but for all to come to repentance.

He is patient.  He is patient toward ME.  This I know well.  If He weren't, I would have no hope at all.

But His patience is salvation?  Wow.

Deep down, I guess I knew this.  I just never really realized that it was written in stone, hm, black and white, that God is patient so that _______________ will get saved.  (You fill in the blank)

So I'm trying to be more like Paul, praying to be more like Paul.  (I have so far to go!)

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I am to live on in the flesh, this means fruitful labor for me;
and I do not know which to choose.
(Philippians 1:21-22)

Paul understood well this feeling of homesickness as he was chained to the Roman guards next to him.  In a strange land, in a strange situation of imprisonment, of course he longed for something better.  And like me, he longed for heaven, a place he had not seen yet either.

But Paul, being the Paul that was chosen by Jesus to go to the Gentiles, he could write this:

And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain
and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith
(Philippians 1:25)

Paul could see the fruitful need of staying here on earth, aliens in a strange land, missionaries to the masses.  That's the mind-set I want.

So I pray that my homesickness will spill out as a "last kick to the finish line" attitude.  May I encourage you to finish the race well, knowing that heaven waits--soon.