Home

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." - John 14:23

There are many definitions of home, if we look beyond the dictionary and see what this word really means.  Its meaning differs from person to person.  For some people it carries a positive connotation, while for others home was unpleasant or even hurtful.  Home is often associated with family.  Home is where the heart is.  My personal favorite is from a song entitled "Home."  The refrain repeats the line, "...home is wherever I'm with you."

One of the most difficult subjects for people to speak openly and honestly is their home life.  For most of us we have been brought up with the idea that we have separate spheres of our lives which should not overlap.  For example our work lives and our home lives.  While my coworkers were generally interested in what was going on in my life outside of work, I would venture to say that they are not genuinely interested.  There are of course many examples of when bringing home the struggles and frustrations of work can be detrimental to the family dynamic.  I that by asking genuine questions about some one's home life we are asking people to be vulnerable and let us into a part of their life who only a few may have full access.  I know that for myself I will offer more detailed answers to questions depending upon how comfortable I am with that person.  Home is personal, intimate, and something that can totally different from what we would expect from the front that people put up to protect themselves and their families.

Home can also be something warm, inviting, and a haven from the madness of our world.  It is a place where the cares of the day can be set aside and we can immerse ourselves in our families.  While I am not yet married and nor do I have children, my view is perhaps a little idealistic, but really home is what we make it to be.  While I was working I was intentional to keep my different spheres separate.  When I left work, I left those feelings and concerns behind to return to the next morning.  When I left home, I set aside those feelings and concerns so that I could devote my attention to my work.  It took time but it has allowed me to strengthen those spheres without creating more drama by them overlapping.

Then of course home can be a physical place, a house or an apartment.  It is the structure and what is contained therein that is most important to us.  It is where children are raised, families nurtured, and it is not without its own drama.  For me home is where ever I am with the people I love and those who love and support me.  I have a home in Waltham, the place I grew up, where my mother and younger brother and my close friends live.  I have a home in Phoenix because that is where my fiance lives.  I have a home in Berkeley where my friends and classmates are who support me when I am far from my other homes.  Home can be a special place and I think that is what Jesus is talking about in the verse above.  By following the teachings of Christ and having a love of God then God will dwell in us and make a home with us.  These are comforting words where the love of God will dwell in us.  If we are able to take this love and share it with other, then we too will be making a difference in this world where love for yourself, for others and above all God and his Son Jesus will conquer all.