There has always been one thing that puzzles me, when you meet someone from
your old home town, why do you reminisce on how great it was to have lived
there? And if it was so great, why did you move? I ran into two men this week,
one from the Fatherland-New Jersey, and one from North Carolina. First the
Jersey experience, and Jersey was. I grew up there, but was born in Texas. Now
does that make me a native Jerseyan? Although I am stamped with "Hecho en
Tejas," and I feel a certain hominess whenever I go to Texas, I have no
memories of it, leaving before the age of one. But the more we talked, the
differences in why we moved here began to show. He bragged of the great schools
here, must have been a long time ago, and when he told me where in the Garden
State he lived, just about any other place would have been better. Anyone with
kids in California public schools knows how bad they are, I have two sons who
survived/graduated from them. But as we looked back fondly, we loved living
here, especially as winter approaches. And have no desire to go back, except in
our memories. And I wonder, if it was so good, why did we leave there?
The other man from North Carolina had just moved here, looking for work.
It must really be bad there, as there is nothing here. We talked of BBQ, the
lack of people, the slower life style, and the cost of living differences
between the two states. And he was homesick, especially when I started naming
places I had ridden there, and he knew of them. But we both were here, and
after 25 years I feel like a native Californian. I heard that anything over 20
years make it unofficially official. It just doesn't make me a millionaire like
people in other states believe. But the more we visited, there were times I had
imagined myself moving there. Pretty state, great BBQ, great riding, and I have
even spent a night in Mt. Airy, the home of Andy Griffith, who patterned
Mayberry after it. We even stayed at the B and B owned by the guy who started
AARP. One small town, with two famous people. I know why this man missed home,
but he will make friends and do fine here.
It seems whenever someone moves, the letters they write diminish after a
few weeks. The newness, the loneliness, and the getting acquainted take affect,
and you don't miss your old home town anymore. And soon the new life takes over
the old, and faces, friends, places, and memories begin to fade. Until we meet
someone from there, and the process begins all over.
And so we continue to look back. Even as Jesus changes our life, we still
look back. And sometimes with this bizarre fondness of what he rescued us out
of. Something I cannot explain, but am guilty of. When in reality, those who
are saved, are really returning, and will return someday to their real
home-heaven. Says so right there in the Book of Life, our heavenly birth
certificate. If listed, we know where we are going, just not when. But we look
forward to it, and even though I came close this summer, I look forward to being
there-soon.
But how do you know if you are truly a citizen of heaven, and your name in
the B of L? Stop now, if not sure, and confess Jesus with your mouth, believing
with your heart that He is God. Become born again, the only criteria for the
free gift of salvation, and accept it via God's grace. And set an example for
those of us who look back, encourage us to look ahead. To set our sights on
things on high like scripture tells us. To be patient, yet excitedly wait to
called home-yes home! You may have several addresses in life, but none beats
knowing heaven is your home. Truly we are travelers, again a the Word tells
us.
So if asked, "where are you from?" tell them with great authority and joy
Heaven. And that you are excited that someday you will be going home. May be
the best question you are ever asked, as your answer will be sharing the
gospel. Your testimony. And an encouragement to those who don't know or aren't
sure. That's being a witness!
In an age of hyphenated Americans, Latin-American, Native American, and
African American, I prefer to just be an American. The best place on earth.
But find true joy in being a Heaven-American, my true heritage. And I hope
yours too.
Now, where did you say you are from? It has a greater influence on where
you are going than you may think. Truly there is no place like home. Just ask
Dorothy and Toto-I don't think I'm in Kansas either! Somewhere over the
rainbow-heaven awaits! Destination and origin the same. Now that's truly going
home.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
