You may not recall this old hymn, but when I was a child, it was a favorite of mine.  It was also the last hymn in our hymnal, which somehow fascinated me.  My mom thought this was an odd choice; I later learned that it was actually a funeral hymn.  But in my innocence, I just thought it was beautiful – text and melody.

“I’m but a stranger here, heaven is my home;
Earth is a desert drear, heaven is my home;
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on every hand;
Heav’n is my fatherland, Heav’n is my home.”

Oh yes, we face sorrows in our lives.  Dangers lurk around us.  Tempests rage throughout our land, we have only to watch the evening news.  But this simple hymn reminds us, that all of this is temporary.  We have a home awaiting us, a glorious home where all is well.  What a beautiful promise from our God who loves us unconditionally.

You may enjoy this recording of “Heaven Is My Home.” 

Judy

*Heaven Is My Home, Text Thomas R. Taylor 1897-1935, Music Arthur S. Sullivan 1842=1900.