9.11.2007

Home

It has been lovely to spend the past week with my family -- the entire 'original' Erickson family. My mom, dad, 2 brothers and sister were all present to celebrate Eric and Jacquie's wedding. It was such a gift to spend time where I grew up, to see where I came from, and to be with the people who have known me and loved me from the start.

But I am so happy to be back home in Austin, with Mark and Math. I missed them and I missed our home here. Home is such an interesting concept and I've really considered it as I traveled from one 'home' to another.

Our real home is, of course, back with our Heavenly Father, which, I think, explains the feeling of homesickness we have from time to time. The world we live in reminds us daily that this really is not our home. On this journey we are taking, sometimes we are tempted to pull over to the side of the road and explore. Our bodies aren't big enough to sustain our spirits and we get tired. The good news is that we have our eternal address etched in our hearts and despite the pull of the world, we continue to wend our way back to our heavenly home.

I've seen it written somewhere that God never told us that the journey would be easy, but that the arrival would be wonderful. Judging from how I feel about being home now, that arrival will really be something to celebrate!

8 comments:

Maren said...

How very well put. I feel homesick for Hawaii all the time. Heaven is better than that. Being in the presence of our Heavenly Father is better than that. It brings happiness knowing that. It's really no wonder we get depressed from time to time. I know I've surely been there. The way you described *THAT* particular homesickness makes perfect sense to me. I only worry about my ability to live the way I should to get back to my real home with Him. (I've said it before, but Jan, thank you so much for your enlightened posts. You have no idea what it means to me. :) )

Seth, Sarah and the kids said...

What a wonderful blog today!! I have really missed my daily dose of you!!:) ...the only thing I think is crummy for you is that Nat left the day before you got home!! Bummer! You two should have coordinated better...being gone at the same time is so much better! What are those Grand kids gonna do!??!? I sure love you, Jan! Thanks for the thoughts...

Natalie Scott said...

Poetic, Jan, just beautiful. I do know of a saying that says He didn't say it'd be easy, just that it would be worth it. I wonder if that's the one you're thinking of.
I've always loved that.

Welcome back, I mean, welcome home! There is such a void when you're not here. I'm so happy you got to be with your family, but selfish in that I'm happy to have you back here with us ;o)

Emily John said...

Yay, for being back. I'm glad you enjoyed your wedding and the time with your family. I love the thought. You are one insightful lady and it's always heart warming to read your blog.

Christina said...

I peruse your blog on occasion, but I had to out myself and post a comment to say thank you for this post. It was meant for me today. I needed this reminder. You are one awesome lady! Thanks again for your inspired perspectives.

tiburon said...

Glad you are home and back to bloggin! Missed you like crazy :)
Very well said!

Kristi said...

So glad you had a great trip and you are home!! We missed you (especially in primary ;) I enjoyed your thoughts today...

Jori said...

Jan, I've said it before but I SO mean it, you could really write a book. You are just awesome. Thank you for your posts. They are so uplifting and always make me feel good. So glad you made it back safely and had a great time.