Home is Where God Leads

I drove four hours west today to a place I once called home. I’d been invited to speak at the church that first launched my ministry, and I welcomed a chance to return to one of my favorite communities. As I cruised along the road leading to my destination, I re-lived a memory that I’d nearly forgotten. Six years ago, I had nearly veered right off that same road as I trailed a big yellow moving truck out of town. The tears obscuring my view had blurred the yellow lines that split the highway and the wrestling match in my soul had distracted my focus. The sound of an angry horn had reminded me that my job was to stay on the road whether or not I wanted to go where the highway led.

On that particular day, I felt like the road leading out of town was the path to second best. My husband had finally completed his medical training and his first practice waited in a small rural town across the state lines. We had prayed, pleaded, and cooperated with God. Without a doubt, we were following the Lord’s lead; still, my heart argued with each mile.

I wanted to stay where I was comfortable. I loved my church, my girlfriends, and my neighborhood. I loved the parks where the children and I played, the paths where we hiked and the ice cream stores where we splurged. I loved the small town feel with all the conveniences of a big city. Quite frankly, I couldn’t imagine enjoying another place more. But as the miles stretched between my packed mini-van and my empty house on 84th street, I heard God whisper the same thing He’d said all along: Trust Me. As I drove, I chanted Jeremiah 29:11 and tried to convince my doubting heart that God’s plans for me were good.

That was six short years ago. Today, as I drove by all the places that had once held my heart; I thanked God for the three years I’d spent here.  I savored the opportunity to re-connect with treasured friends, to visit the church who first believed in my gifts as a speaker, and to take a stroll down memory lane. But as much as I tried, I couldn’t picture myself here today.

Today, when I think of home, I envision tulip-lined streets and quaint brick buildings.  I imagine the scent of fresh pastries wafting through Central Park as my children ride their scooters along uncluttered sidewalks. I picture a vast green yard with grass flattened by the footprints of five boisterous children and a farmer’s field just beyond the tree line that changes colors with the seasons. I picture a place without the conveniences I once held so dear- the shopping malls and children’s museums, the zoos and play lands. And I thank God for leading me down a road I would not have chosen myself.

The shifting of my heart has taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes God asks us to let go of something good because He wants our hands free to receive something better.

Today’s Treasure: For I know the plans I have for you… to give you a future and a hope. –Jeremiah 29:11