Home is Where the Heart is?

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

“Hospitality is not to change people but to offer them space where change can take place.” Henri Nouwen.

Homecoming is a big deal where I live. It’s a little rural town, with about 350 people, and eight-man football. It’s full of celebration with a band and parade and rousing cheers! We recently got stadium lights and are so proud of this accomplishment. Just showing up at the game, I feel welcome by the fanfare, camaraderie, and single purpose.

Not all homecomings are nice. Not all homecomings are cozy. Not all homecomings are affectionate. Not all homecomings are full of cheers and slap on the back. Not all homecomings are safe.

Some of us had a home full of turmoil, absent parents, rigidity, punishment, shame and worse. Who in their right mind comes home to that? Calls it home?  Feels welcome? If we were lucky, a roof over our heads, a place to sleep and eat, but home? It’s hard to be at home when it’s unsafe.

My grandma taught me many things, welcomed me, played games, told stories, and always hugged me affectionately. She was safe. Her 850 sq. ft home was built by my grandfather during the Depression. They did not have running water, electricity, or heat then but could she love! My grandmother taught me by her example how to be a grandmother. How to invite others with safety. Feeling at home. Homecoming.

Jesus makes a home in our hearts and our minds where we are safe, whether commuting, working, grocery shopping, or playing with the kids. We can tell Him anything and everything. We might as well because he knows anyway. If we are truly at home, we are safe Others are safe. It’s not the latest TV, expensive food, or glamorous trappings that make one safe. It’s the heart. Cliché but true: “Home is where the heart is.” Miraculous transformations occur in us while we wait for our heavenly homecoming.

Musings

Notice that Jesus knocks. He does not force, cajole, shame, bully, preach, entice or threaten. He asks. He eats with us. He sets the standard. He’s home. Our eternal home. “We have passed from death to life.” He brushes away shame, fear, and insecurities while affirming great love for us if we let Him. Now. Eternally. Safe. We look forward to the final Homecoming where he wipes every tear from our eyes and gives us a crown.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you that you’ve made your home in our hearts and like the Prodigal Son, You embrace and welcome us for just being. Help us to welcome others into our homes and Your home. Remind us that “we have entertained angels.”

Amen.