I have been talking about the idea of "home" with my high school students this week. We looked at song lyrics from about 6 or so songs all themed around the idea of "coming home." From Kid Rock to Jason Aldean to Chris Tomlin to OneRepublic and Dirty Money. Yep, we ran the gamut. And then we looked at Psalm 84 to search for similar thoughts. I really appreciate that they recognized immediately that "home" is sometimes a person, a place, an environment, a group of people - not always the house you grew up in. We were talking about a place where you feel safe, comfortable, included and where you belong.
Last night I was re-watching scenes from Antwone Fisher - an amazing story on many levels, but specifically in terms of the drive for a place to belong. Home was both elusive, hurtful and dangerous in his experience. And then in one conversation with his Aunt, he found a place to belong. It brings tears to my eyes just writing about it.
In my families time of transition right now from a life of full time paid ministry to a new adventure, and with an upcoming move, I have been challenged to think about where my place of belonging and comfort is. Where is "home" for this Italian-Jewish girl born and raised in South Africa who has lived in Texas for the last 20 years? Where does my heart gravitate to in its quest to find "that place where you exhale and all is right with the world?"
3 comments:
Arlene,
This is a very good post! You are right about "home." I really think that deep down all of us want a place that is home.
My wife has taught first grade for years. Sad to see small children, barely 6 years old, who do not feel at "home" when they are at home. It is unsafe, chaotic, unpredictable, etc. Some of these children feel more at home at school, with teachers who are safe, boundaries, and some people who care about their well-being.
As you say, a very important theme of life.
Great post.
'Antwone Fisher': One of Mom's favourite movies.
Home can be more than one place I suppose, present place where work, immediate family, physical home are and also place of birth and where extended family may be. As Christians it is also the future culminated Kingdom and any intermediate state of paradise.
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