“Peace… That was the other name for home.” (Kathleen Norris)
Since breaking my arm due to a ski accident a couple of weeks ago I’ve been spending a lot more time “At Home”.
One of the more painful things, I’ve long suspected, but can no longer deny, is the simple fact, I’m just not very tough or patient.
In spite of my ongoing efforts to remain positive, the truth is, the weather we’ve experienced this past week has been a pretty accurate reflection for my mood as well. Mostly overcast, with periods of feeling dull & dreary.
Fortunately, this experience has also given me a renewed appreciation for all the blessings we normally associate with home. Being mindful of all the people who have no home or lost their home this past year to fires and floods and war, that’s a gift none of us should take for granted.
That in turn inspired me to do something I had never done before. Have you ever given much thought about all of the different places in your life you have called home?
If you’re anything like me, you might be stunned at how much it can reveal about your life’s journey and who you are as a person.
For instance, although I have lived in 7 states and in countless situations, I found myself thinking mostly about my first home, my worst home and my current home.
I was newly married and only 20 years old when I paid cash for my first home. But there is no reason to be impressed. It was a 1950’s New Moon 8X40 trailer. Full price. $2,000.
Most of my memories of those years involved going to school at NAU, which is in Flagstaff, Az. And though I had lived in trailers while growing up, it was never in a place where I had to spend time crawling around under it, trying to wrap the pipes to keep them from freezing.
Unfortunately, my 18-year-old bride and I weren’t exactly matched or ready for the challenges ahead and by the time I was 30 years old, we were divorced and I was renting a studio in Las Vegas that was so small the bed took up most of the space.
Plus, the neighborhood was so rough I had to park my only form of transportation, a Honda scooter, inside, next to the bed, so it wouldn’t get stolen.
Fast forward, five years later, Ruth and I were now married and after living in a parsonage and a rented townhouse in Simi Valley, California, moved to Arlington, Texas, which is where we bought our first home together for $103,000. Thirty-four years later, we’re still here.
It was built in the 70’s, and has needed lots of repairs, but it’s also sitting on this awesome tree covered hillside which actually makes it feel more like a cottage.
So, I’m curious, as you think about some of the places you have lived, as well as where you are now, what are the kind of things that help you to feel “At Home”.
I used to envy those of you who are living near water or the mountains, but as I’ve been thinking about all of the wonderful memories we’ve shared here with our family and friends, there really are some things even better than geography.
Along those lines, I’d love to hear about some of the ways your home has gradually come to reflect what you love and who you are. For instance, Ruth has always had this zany kind of “Harpo Humor” that gets expressed around our home in all kinds of whimsical ways.
Whether it’s the armadillo over the kitchen sink that holds her rings, the moose on the mantle or the cowboy skeleton on our fridge. But then this happened…
Tell me. Am I going crazy? During this past week, sometimes, as I’m opening up the freezer to pull out an ice pack for my shoulder, it’s starting to feel like our magnetic skeleton has started mocking me.
You know, things like, ribbing me about my busted bones, and how Father Time is closing in and how before you know it, it will be time for me to join him in the boneyard.
I know, kind of dark. It’s probably the weather or maybe the meds. Then again, there’s also some truth there. Damn cowboy…
Fortunately, in addition to a home that I love, the good Lord dealt me a few other blessings. Including my family, my friends and my faith. I hope the same is true for you.
For years I would make sure our church had opportunities to sing some of the old spirituals together, that always had a way of lifting our spirits while providing a bit of hope about our home to come.
Though I never get tired of singing along to gospels like: “I’ll Fly Away” & “Will the Circle be Unbroken”, the song that really soothes my soul is literally titled: HOME. It was released by Phillip Phillips in 2012 and includes the words…
“Settle down, it'll all be clear. Don't pay no mind to the demons, they fill you with fear. The trouble - it might drag you down. If you get lost, you can always be found, Just know you're not alone, 'Cause I'm gonna make this place your home.
If you have never heard it or if it’s been a while, bless yourself with a listen. Though it often brings tears to my eyes, it also brings peace and sometimes feels like a much needed hug.
Johnny B ++
PS Am I going crazy or have there ever been times in your life when it feels like every time you turn around, another inanimate object seems to be mocking you!
Love this song!!
Hang in there!
Me too. Hope all is well with you! The skies are blue and the sun is shining :)