I grew up very attached to my home.
The physical home and my family was something I grew very comfortable with, to the extent I never really wanted to be anywhere else for too long. I remember the occasions we as a family would attend an event spanning a few days. Though the journey to the location was exciting, the journey back home was better because I didn’t feel comfortable being away from home. I liked the stability. The reliability. I didn’t want to move.
Some people who know me now may chuckle at the sentiment. The chuckle would turn into outright guffawing if I went on to say I’m still a guy who loves the stability of home. This is because of my record in how long I’ve spent in one location over the last 15 years or so.
What occurred to me recently, however, was how being pilgrims in this world must mean movement. Those on a pilgrimage are not satisfied until they reach the destination. No matter how the good area, how pleasant the environment, the fact remains it’s not meant to be permanent. At best it’s a pit stop before continuing on the journey.
For believers it need not be a physical or geographical thing. You can be based in the same place all your life and still be on the pilgrimage. The idea is to be committed to the journey and understanding movement is required. Movement towards a better understanding and expression of the Kingdom here and the one to come. Movement towards a greater realisation and expression of the love the Father has given to us that we should be called the children of God. Movement meaning we are closer now than we ever were before. Movement meaning we are different now than we were earlier in the journey.
Sometimes I wonder if the familiarity of where we are puts us off wanting to make further progress. I’m still committed to loving home. I just realise I will only ever be really home wherever Jesus is. As His Kingdom comes and His will is done, I appreciate it means I have to be ready to be on the move.
My hope is to continue to be motivated by the mission and move where His Spirit leads.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 