Longing for Home

Yesterday was one of those days when I was acutely aware of not feeling at home. I'm not talking about home as in the home in which I reside, I mean home as in belonging here on this earth. I know of other believers who experience this feeling on occasion, too. There's a sense that you just don't fit in, that you weren't made for this world. Please don't associate that with UFOs and the like; I'm talking about longing for heaven, for meeting my Maker.

No, this doesn't mean that I'm ready to leave this place; instead, I'm just more aware of why we were made for something better. I'm not sure what brings on this longing. Maybe it's the wonder of the beauty of spring and a couple inviting days. Maybe it's the challenges that crop up in my life. Maybe it's the relationships that require so much work, and the uncertainty that often accompanies them. Or maybe it's an awareness of my own failings, shortcomings, and imperfections.

All I know is that sometimes this world makes me tired, and forces me to redirect my thoughts to a better place. I look forward to one day residing with my Saviour in heaven. To a time when I'll be free of the sin and troubles in my life. To a time when relationships will just be, without effort or complications. To a time of endless perfect days.

Until that time, though, I thank the Lord for these moments of longing for they allow me to re-examine my life, taking stock of what needs to be changed, and recognizing my need for help from Him while I'm still here. By longing for my true home, my gaze shifts from me to my Maker, and thus I can draw strength and perseverance from Him, focusing on not what is seen, but what is unseen, which is eternal. And through a change in perspective, I can see Heaven here on earth... at least for a little while.