Maybe it’s because I’m a woman. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a nomadic family. Maybe it’s for some other reason altogether. But I have always felt a deep desire and a need for stability. To put down roots. To have a home.
The day I bought my house, I cried tears of joy and relief when I was handed the keys. Then, I drove straight over to my new house, used my key to unlock the door, went into the living room, and laid right down in the middle of the floor. And when my realtor predicted I would sell it in a few years, (after starting a family, according to his prediction) I laughed and said, “No way! I don’t ever plan to sell this house!” Five and a half years later, not only do I not own the house, but I literally live in one bedroom, in a house I do not own, three thousand miles from any home I’ve ever known.
People have told me how brave they think I am for moving 3,000 miles. I have to admit that it actually bothers me to hear this because I know how uncourageous I really am. I know how I cower and cry and cling, behind the scenes.
There were two dominant thoughts that gave me the courage to move:
1 – I have something to offer to the world.
2 – I do not go alone.
I promise you—if I had not thought that God was making the road trip with me, I would never have gotten into the car. And I can handle living in one bedroom—that doesn’t belong to me—for a bit, because when it comes down to it, God is my home. As long as He’s here, I’m okay here.
AW Tozer wrote, “God was our original habitat and our hearts cannot but feel at home when they enter again that ancient and eternal abode.” I’m living the truth of that in a small way now. One day, I’m going to experience it completely.
Jesus said that He has gone to prepare a place for me so that one day, I can be with Him, where He is, forever. And for a girl who has always wanted to belong somewhere, to someone, there is no greater promise. And so I, like Peter, say, “Lord, who else do I have but You? You hold my life in Your hands. You are my home.”
This post is part of our weekly discussion on AW Tozer’s classic book, “The Pursuit of God.” If you wrote a response to this week’s chapter, please visit my co-facilitator, Jason Stasyszen, at Connecting to Impact, to link up on the widget. I’ll see you back here next week, when I will be hosting the widget and we will begin the discussion of Chapter 9.
About Sarah Salter
You may under estimate yourself.. You have been brave many times.. You may be stronger than you think you are…We all go through cowering sometimes.. I am glad you are happy and “stepped out on the water”.. but I know what you mean if God hadn’t been with you it would have not be so pleasant.. but you kept your eye on Him and you are there.. And as much as I miss you, I believe there is a reason you are there.. maybe only God knows right now what that reason is..Love ya Sista Sarah.
Yes, yes and always yes. God is our home wherever we go. I lived in the same place for the first thirty years of my life and I treasure all those memories. And then I moved away from everything I had ever known and God showed me that He never left me in the people he (continually) put in my path. Over and over again. Home is important…….Sometimes I think that is one of the best things about Heaven we have to look forward to. Having that forever home. Bless you Sarah and I pray that He will continually give you Home in your heart. Lori
Well, from one (still) nomadic sistah to another–AMEN. After spending my youth moving every 1 to 4 years, I thought once I married my sweetie, who had lived in the same house since he was in first grade, that I was about to set down some roots. BAHAHAHA! Since we’ve been married, I have moved 9 times and lived in 4 states. I understand the meaning of “home is where the heart is” only too well. I have learned that my heart is in Jesus (and vice versa!) and He is my home, my safe place, not any earthly, temporal home. Sometimes a hard lesson to learn and re-learn, but so true nonetheless.
I don’t care what you say…you are brave, girl. You certainly found that courage through the Lord, but it is still bravery! Love you!
It’s sort of like the connection between a mother and child. No matter how far removed by time, distance, or anything else–there still seems to be a connection and spark of recognition. I see that with our adopted kids. He is where we originated–from His heart and His will. When we get closer to Him (and past all our barriers–real or perceived), we feel at home. It feels right. Good stuff, Sarah! Thank you.
Thank you, Barbara!
Lori, recently, I was sad and missing a friend who I haven’t seen in several years now. And then, I had this realization, that I’m going to get to spend eternity with them. That will make up for all the time lost. 🙂
Joell, we sure have learned how to make “home” out of wherever we land, haven’t we? It means a lot to have people who understand me. Thanks for being one of those people, Sistah!
Great analogy, Jason! And so true! 🙂