I have been a habitual striver. Many of my questions to God throughout my life have been like the rich young man of Matthew 19:16, “what must I do to get?” Do to get. The exhausting addiction of do-to-get.
What was I striving for? Pleasure, comfort, hope, purpose? For sure. But recently, deep in my soul I have discovered what I was most hungering for. Home.
Looking back over my years it has become apparent that I am a bit of a vagabond. Because of my parents’ nomadic tendencies coupled with God’s nudging Kay and me across the country several times, I have lived in 32 different houses. And Kay and I have had at least 3 failed attempts at establishing a homestead.
A few months ago, I read a book written by a mentor and friend that captured me: “Longing for a Homeland” by Lynn Anderson. He was raised in rural Canada with very little by the world’s standards. After having lived most of his life and ministry career in the US he went back to find his humble country childhood home, his roots, and, to some degree, himself.
My heart reached into that book and identified with Lynn. I had, for years, been longing for home.
But, recently I have found my landing place. God has been slow-walking me through Jesus’ amazing closing conference with His closest disciples (John 13-17). In John 14:1-2, He comforts His followers with these words. The original word for “rooms” is monē, (abode, lodging, home).
And there it is. He is preparing a home in heaven for me! But in 14:23, it gets even better. “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home (monē) with him.”
He has a place for me in eternity, and even now, I get to abide and rest in His love with Him. No more striving. I have landed home.