One year ago this week, I was on a mission trip in Belize. I was the sickest I had ever been in my life. The lack of AC and indoor plumbing only exacerbated my yuck. I was ineffective as a missionary and an added responsibility for my team. I wanted to go home. Home is a refuge, resting and re-fueling place. It is such a special spot for everyone. It is filled with things that make us comfortable. We stock it with treasures that are beautiful to us. We clean and maintain it and pay the bills. We create memories of love and laughter that leave an imprint on our hearts and shape our identity. There is no place like home.
I take pride in the fact that I am a homemaker. I enjoy maintaining it. I have a long list of hopes and plans for this house. I describe myself as a homemaker. Recently, I discovered that God identifies himself as a homemaker. He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden-home he created. He gave explicit instructions on how to build the temple in the Old Testament, and he dwelled in it. He takes up residence in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, and He has gone to prepare a place for us in Heaven that we can’t begin to accurately imagine.
It fills me with an endearing joy that my love for building my home reflects the character of God. Our creator is so tender to fill us with a desire to be like Him. He has also promised us that our time here is temporary and for those who love Him, our eternal home will be spectacular. I long for the day to come when I will no longer sin or see the effects of sin on my home and in the world. I long to see Jesus face to face and know Him fully, even as he knows me fully now. I long to praise and worship him in the home he has prepared for me…… Oh what a day that will be! Lord Jesus, come quickly!
Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. Nehemiah 9:6 (NIV)