Since I can remember, I have loved my home.  Growing up, we didn’t have a big, fancy house. I have lived in nice homes, but nothing elegant and House Beautiful worthy. The one thing all my homes have had in common is they have been homey, warm, safe and peaceful.  They have offered my family and myself refuge, comfort and a feeling a serenity.   

I loved coming home after school to the familiar smells of something fresh baked, coffee always brewing, clothes fresh out of the dryer or from the clothes line, the sweet smell of the weather coming in the windows in the spring and fall and the smell of spices simmering on the stove in the winter. Everything was as it should be and remained constant.  We could rely on it.

I tried to make my own home a place of coziness and security for my family.  I wasn’t the stay-at-home mom like my own mother, but I did things that made my home welcoming and a sanctuary for my family when they walked in the door.  It was a place they could rest, relax and let go of the burdens of the day.  They could count on the evenness and familiarity.

I love to travel, but I love to come home to my own house, my own bed and knowing where everything is.  It is familiar, easy and reassuring and everything is as it should be.  Everything has its place.

This is what awaits us in heaven. We are promised in Revelations 21, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Looking forward to this promised eternity gives me peace.  It eases my mind, gives me comfort and reassures me of God’s unconditional love in giving His Son Jesus Christ to take away all our sins so we may be given this opportunity at eternal life.  All we have to do is accept Him, live through Him and live for Him. We can count on this and everything will be as it should be when we one day return to our Heavenly Home where we can relax and rest in His loving arms. Thanks be to God!

Patty