Temporary place. A familiar part of the faith journey.
Each stop. Stirring mute awareness in the back of my mind. And the depths of my soul.
This is not for always. But only for a season.
No matter where we move. Set up house. And make a home.
Expectations
We’ve lived in large spaces and small. Rooms full of light. And flats dim. Dark.
I’ve struggled to settle at times. In the uncomfortable. Places of shortage and breakdowns. Without water in the pipes. Or power in the lines.
Then, unexpected displacements. Change.
Funny how expectations rise up and cloud true purpose. Blur why we’re here in the first place.
Temporary place
So, over the years. At each temporary place. I’ve learned what’s necessary. For clarity. And stability.
Setting aside time and space for meeting with Him. Daily.
Opening His Word. Listening. Praying.
View
Sometimes my view has been through glass and iron bars. To the eucalyptus blooming in desert dryness.
Other times through rusted screen. To city buildings and traffic.
For several years I looked out at a small mountain.
Reminding me, “I lift my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
Remember
Even in the narrow places, I learn to remember. Remember what my heart truly longs for.
The only true and lasting habitation. Shelter forever.
And His divine architecture far outshines any little piece of real estate we may momentarily live in.
True Home
Living in the temporary place confirms the true. This world is not our home.
And upheaval makes me ever grateful to be anchored. In a permanent dwelling place. Unchangeable.
Abiding in Christ.
He is our true Home.
What about you?
Have you moved from place to place? Or stayed in one location? What has the Lord taught you about your true Home?
Related posts
Habit – Temporary nest – Untraceable ways – Living in exile – Where is home? – Strong roots and movable tents – What if? – Maps – Transit – Tents and altars – The way of life –
13 replies on “Temporary place”
Thank you, Susan. What a joy it is to read your thoughtful posts each Sunday evening,
Thank you, Mary. And thanks for taking the time to read these.
Thank you for this post! New struggles bring fresh heartaches and I need to remember where I belong!
Lifting you up, sister. Keep lifting your eyes to our Lord and King.
We’ve had deaths and sickness in our family over the past couple months. Overwhelming!
Thank you for reminding me to focus on eternity!
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been going through so much. Praying for you today as you focus on Him.
Thanks for so often giving words to my thoughts and challenge to my heart. Keep writing!
“The only true and lasting habitation. Shelter forever.”
Thanks for encouraging me, sister.
♥️
Thank you for this beautiful reminder Susan. Your writing shines and your love for Christ just endures.
Thank you to my fellow writer…and artist! Blessed New Year to you.
One of our years on the itinerant mission we slept on 92 different beds. The phrase that our real address was “in Christ” became very clear to me.
All of you on that team were our heroes! You went from place to place, living out of suitcases, staying in all kinds of spaces…and always taking time to encourage us. Grateful.