Home is Where the Heart Is

Home. There aren't many words in the English language that have such meaning. Each person thinks something different when they think of it. To some, it is a place full of love and warm memories. Sadly, to others, it is a place of heartache and sadness. Some never had it; some lost it. Many yearn for it. Some think of a place, a family pet, a favorite meal, a tree house, a grandmother's china set, or a faded print on the wall. There are countless songs about it. If a house is "homey", it is comfortable, warm and inviting. We all have a picture of what "home" looks like to us.

"Home is Where is the Heart Is" is a familiar phrase that appears upon many an embroidered pillow or in a frame. Although no one knows for certain, its origin is credited to Pliny the Elder, a first century Roman author, philosopher and naturalist. This concept of one's "home" makes up a part of a person's identity and is something that has been discussed for thousands of years!

To me, "home" is a place where I'm with those I love, where I can relax and have the freedom to be me, knowing that I'm loved just because I'm me. The actual dwelling isn't as important to me. I've had many homes in my life- not all of them always including my immediate family. I always felt "at home" in my best friend's house, with my grandparents and with my friends in my college dorm. I was blessed with a happy childhood with beautiful houses that I called home. When my family broke up, other places had to become home. Austin and I made a home together over the past four years in Jackson.

When I was a child and a teenager, I was very sentimental about things- the toy I played with for years, a doll I asked for at Christmas, knick knacks that belonged to my mom when she was a little girl and holiday traditions. There were several times I remember being mad during holidays when we departed from the traditions. I held onto everything and was very possessive. However, stuff and traditions aren't what makes a home.

Home consists of people and the love that weaves them together. As Christians, we know that we love because God first loved us. He is the source of our love and our joy. I believe that truly happy homes are where people are valued more than things, and hospitality is practiced out of an overflowing of grace. It all comes back to the heart. What I value and love becomes my home. This is why I yearn for my heavenly home.

There was a time in my life where I would have been heartbroken to leave our little house in Jackson. I used to put so much value on the place itself, and not as much on people. However, when I walked out of it's empty interior for the last time on Sunday night, I knew that my home was going with me to Dickson. This house would be someone else's home.

Austin and I prayed for that someone else our last night in Jackson. We are confident that the Lord will bring the right person along to purchase that wonderful little house in His timing. What we already miss most about Jackson are the amazing friends  and family we left behind. Although we won't get to "do life" together as much, we know that those relationships will extend far beyond this season in our lives! When we do go back and visit, we will be "at home" because we will be with those we love.

For now, our home is in Dickson. I am with those who hold the largest pieces of my heart (Austin and Claudia) and we look forward to what the Lord has for us in this temporary season.