This morning, we pack up the car and begin our gypsy journey to the South. We stop along the way to spend some time with our sons. Eventually, we will be back home in Florida. Back to the loving community of Joy! Back to the weekly routines that make life predictable and meaningful.

That is not to say that my summertime activities are meaningless. I have found a loving church community in Vermont. I even sang with the summer choir. But Joy is special. It is home. It is familiar. I know there will be changes. Folks have been trying to keep me up to speed on the new events and people at church. Change is inevitable; life continues, often without rational explanations. Accepting change is another form of bringing my will into accordance with God’s will.

My concept of “home” has changed over the years. When I left Connecticut for college in Vermont, I continued to return “home” to Pawcatuck for each holiday and summer vacation until I got married. Then, Vermont became “home” with my husband and, eventually, my children. We have been traveling to Florida for almost eighteen years, so now, Florida gets to be called “home,” while sharing that honor with Vermont.

The constant for me throughout these years has been the presence of God in each “home.” Home has always included a community of God-related people. It wouldn’t seem like home without God. There is an intimacy that develops when God is present in a relationship. I consider myself very blessed to have been able to build my relationship with God throughout my life in several different communities.

Our eternal God is always present to make wherever we are at “home.” He loves us, each one of us, unconditionally.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 ESV

Terri