Growing up I spent a lot of time playing with my friends in their rooms. Many times I would go to their house, and then they would come to mine. But over the years there were many times we got together, but we would never get together, and I actually had never been to their houses at all. My trips had been via TV, as these friends of mine were TV shows. Over the years it is possible I spent more times at the Cleavers at 211 Pine St. in Mayfield, after they moved from Grant Ave. than with Bruce and Barry. I grimaced when Wally had dating problems, and when Beaver was unjustly accused. I also found nourishment many times with milk and cookies after school-and despite the warnings, never once ruined my dinner! And I secretly wanted to ride in Lumpy's '40 Ford with the Smitty's, do you think maybe a gear head wrote that car into the show? And didn't we all have a best friend like Eddie?
I spent many hours listening to Andy and Barney discuss life's problems over a haircut and a shave at Floyd's Barber Shop, taking the advice to heart. I can still smell Aunt Bea's apple pies! And never miss a chance to see Goober imitate Cary Grant. SHAZAM! I watched with awe as Steve Douglas switched from Chevies to Pontiacs, but still preferred Mike's jalopy over Steve's Safari wagons. And who growing up didn't want a dinner table where the Lazy Susan in the center of it brought ketchup and pickles to you instead of waiting for it to be passed. And again Bub cooked them food, made the lunches, and gave them great advice, all the time barking and bellowing at them-in love. And again cookies and cake when they got home-no wonder you hung out at their house! What a sad day when they left Bryant Park for North Hollywood! And even able to take one young Ernie Thompson with them after Mike married Sally-if for nothing else to keep the name of the show honest!
And through the years I learned to dodge ottomans while at the Petrey's, what a cement pond is when at the Clampett's, and got pre feng shei lesson from Morticia Addams on decorating, and still wish I had an alarm for the mail like they did. And a butler-"YOU RANG?" And how cool were your parents, would they have let Uncle Fester ride his motorcycle in the house? Yes, they were a bit strange, but compare their 45 year old family values to those of today-they had all the integrity of Ward and June-just the Frumps instilled the family values a bit differently than the Bronsons! Ward-do something! But the incredible thing is that I spent all the time in these homes, without ever going to them. My entire time with them was spent in a place that I did not, and could not go, for one simple reason-they didn't exist! And neither did the people! But even knowing that, I still have desire to visit someday. Is it just me? Has reality finally rung at my door?
Lately after such visits I have a desire for "fernweh," a German word with no direct English interpretation. Fernweh refers to a longing for, and a need to return to somewhere that you have never been before. Déjà without the view. And whether it be visiting old friends you never met, or planning your next trip, I often feel the need to go places that are familiar for the first time. Once again for the very first time. And although there is no direct English word for fernweh, I believe it speaks of a destination unique to Christians. It speaks of heaven-the true home and final destination of those who believe in Jesus Christ when we die. It speaks of a place that cannot be described, for eye has not seen it, ear has not heard it, and mind cannot imagine it! It was seen briefly by Paul, and it was so beautiful he had no words for it! FERNWEH! And the desire to go there increases every day! My true home, and one where the Lord has been preparing a place for me for years!
Finally I may get the bathroom off my bedroom like Wally and the Beav. I may get a Lazy Susan and not have to wait for the ketchup while others hog it. I will have my own cement pond-heated, to swim in, and it will be decorated by a loving God, in a way even the Addams' would be impressed with. It will be within walking distance to Arnold's and be even more modern and impressive than the Flintstones-the "modern" stone age family, and even beyond what the Jetsons could imagine. Now that's cool! I will have all the fine neighbors of the Taylors, and a simplicity of Hooterville. I can smell some of Kate's pies baking at the Shady Rest now. And it will have rest, for all stress from life will be gone, and we will have one very important neighbor-the Holy Spirit! He will be there and in the presence of Jesus and His Father, we will finally be face to face with a Triune God-all at once! Something to consider about your after work or school activities today!
It is your choice where to spend today. And also your choice where to spend eternity. With God-FERNWEH, or without Him-HELL! If you don't have the longing for God-ask. If you do, choose Him, that is the Holy Spirit encouraging you. Because of the wonder of TV we have friends and places that we know but have never been. But thanks to Jesus we also have a place to go we have never been, but have only heard about. Make sure you are in the Book of Life by accepting Jesus today. And then encourage your friends to make the trip too. Better than the best script, and joy unspeakable! Better than June's cookies or a pie of Aunt Bea's. More fun than Pugsley's octopus, and more cool than Lumpy's '40 Ford. Now that's cool! Neater than an afternoon at the Douglas's listening to Bub expound on life, and more love and compassion than all of them combined! All rolled into one place-just for you! Where the cookies are always warm, the milk always cold, and you never spoil your dinner! We'll call it home!
If you aren't sure, ask Bud, Kitten, or Princess. They'll tell you, "Father Knows Best!" And like Gomer says, "best of luck to you and yours."
FERNWEH tonight!
love with compassion,
Mike
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