Home Sweet Home

I have been thinking all morning about people searching for a better life.

We hear stories of people risking everything, crossing oceans in tiny boats, braving the unknown, all for the hope of something better. It’s heartbreaking. It is also deeply human.

I often think about Cuban refugees making the dangerous trip to Florida, but this happens all over the world. Just yesterday, another boat sank off the coast of Europe, taking precious lives with it.

These stories make me pause. What drives someone to leave everything behind, not knowing if they will even survive the journey? Desperation, yes. But also hope. Hope that somewhere out there, something better is waiting.

That kind of longing for a better home reminds me of what Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” ESV

No matter where we live on this earth, no matter how good or hard our circumstances, this world is not our final home. I believe that with every fiber of my being. It is what gives me hope and deep, deep happiness.

We are citizens of a kingdom that is still to come, a place where there is no more pain, suffering, or fear!

That doesn’t mean life here doesn’t matter. It does!

We are called to be salt and light, to help where we can, to show love to those who are hurting. But, when life feels overwhelming, when we see tragedy, when we experience loss, when we long for something better, we can also, at the same time, rest in the promise that a better home is waiting.

Until then, do what you can to bring glimpses of that kingdom to the world around you. Whether it’s by offering kindness, supporting those in need, or simply reminding someone that they are seen and loved, we can be part of God’s work right here, right now. Because one day, the journey will be over. And we will be home.

by Jeanette Stark - Wednesday, March 19, 2025