(“Home is the nicest word there is.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder)
Five years ago, as Steve and I looked ahead toward retirement, the question of where we should spend those years had no easy answer. We’d lived in Florida, in six different locations over forty years. We were ready for something different. Tennessee or even Kentucky appealed to us, where we could enjoy new vistas, the change of seasons (although not too severe), and best of all, be within a four-hour drive of our sons.
Lots can happen in five years. Our older son, Eric, and his wife, Hilja (Hill-ya) became a family of three. During one visit they asked, “Where do you think you’ll retire?” We shared our tentative plans. “Well, if you’re going to move that close, why not just move here?”—here being Cincinnati, Ohio.
We hadn’t even considered moving so close, not wanting to impose ourselves on either of our boys. Nor had we thought of making our home so far north, back in the Midwest where we had grown up. But family (and especially that new grandbaby) was a strong magnet.
So, Steve and I now hail from Cincinnati. And it’s a glorious privilege to watch little Elena grow, and spend much quality time with our sons and their wives. (As I’ve said before on this blog: If only our daughter and her family would move here from Washington State, life would be perfect!)
But moving back to the Midwest has been a coming home in other ways. We’ve reveled in familiar experiences from long ago:
- The miracles of transition from one season to the next
- The grand oaks, maples, and elm trees spreading wide through our neighborhood, over some of the streets, and in the numerous parks
- The dance of the fireflies on a summer evening (Hundreds of them blink in the trees behind our house, resembling a Christmas display.)
- The explosion of color on the hillsides as summer gives way to autumn
- The silent beauty of a snow fall, especially as the accumulation creates frosty lace among the trees
- The heavenly fragrance of lilacs in the spring
- The clean scent of freshly cut grass (Florida grass produces no scent at all!)
Even the common robin causes delight as he hops across the lawn, pauses, and cocks his head to listen.
There is something heartwarming about home—the way we respond to the familiar and to the memories that surface.
Memories are the crucial element, aren’t they. Surely if Steve or I had experienced great difficulty growing up, our reaction to this Midwest relocation would be much different.
But both of us grew up in strong Christian homes—such a wondrous privilege. And most of our recollections are positive ones. We associate the word home with peace, security, acceptance, and love.
I wonder…
…when we enter the gates of heaven, will we experience a similar warming of the heart? Will we almost burst with elation to realize that we’ve finally arrived in our true forever home?
At last we will be in a place of:
- Perfect peace, with no strife or harsh words (Revelation 21:4)
- Total security, because we’ve reached our eternal destiny (John 6:37)
- Complete acceptance by our Heavenly Father (Romans 8:1)
- Absolute love, to be expressed over and over in countless ways, forever and ever (Romans 8:38-39)
As I enjoy all the beauty of God’s creation in this corner of the world, and glory in the companionship of family, I want to remember: these are just glimpses of the wonders that await!
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What glimpses of the wonders-that-await do you enjoy? Tell us about them in the Comments section below!
(Photo & art credits: www.quoteswave.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.greenwoodwildlife.org; http://www.youtube.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Lovely, lovely, Nancy. So glad you’re settled in and loving it! Gives me hope (although we do love it already, even though we’re not quite settled as yet.) And I do think heaven will feel like home . . . maybe for the first time ever, at least in the deepest parts of us.
Thank you, Diana. I think you’re right: just as our hearts responded to Jesus the first time, and we found our spiritual home in the kingdom of God, I agree that when we finally reach heaven, new chambers of our spiritual heart will have to be opened, to receive all that he has for us in our new home! Otherwise, how would we be able to withstand all the joy and glory?! (P.S. So glad to hear you love your new earthly home, even though you still have projects to complete!)
Nancy, I always am reminded of the Scripture, “He has set eternity in their hearts…” Eccl. 3:11. I think regardless of who or where we are…we’re drawn to the “I-can’t-name-it” that is our call to the presence of God.
I will see my mother….that’s what I’m looking forward to.
(and for the record, I’m glad your daughter lives in Wa. state 🙂
Oh, yes, God did indeed give us a taste for the divine! It’s hard to fathom his grace, motivating him to WANT us in relationship with him! Another “oh, yes,” for the anticipation of seeing loved ones in heaven who already reside there. That will be a glorious reunion, won’t it? (P.S. A third “oh, yes,” because it IS a lovely thing you live close to our daughter! SO looking forward to the retreat!)
Nancy, You have described it well in your writing. A beautiful expression of heaven. Yes, that is how I view it as well. Looking forward to being with my heavenly Father and seeing all my loved ones. Of, course, I am very Blessed
with still leading Bible studies and all I can still do to serve Him here and also my beautiful family, I have been blessed to enjoy.
I so admire your positive attitude, Janet. You are a perfect example of someone living out Philippians 4:8– always focused on what is excellent and praiseworthy–not the challenges, the difficulties, the tragedies. I’m so glad to hear you’re still leading Bible studies!
Such beautiful words, Nancy. I look forward to no pain, perfect peace (no more fighting with myself), and of course, just hanging out with the lover of my soul. I can’t wait to look into the eyes of Jesus. Wow. Gives me shivers just thinking about it! Lovely post!
I love what you said: “No more fighting with myself!” Now that’s a blessing of heaven I hadn’t thought of! Thank you, Rebeca!
great lesson and you made me appreciate Ohio at least briefly. haha. We too had this conversation and I wanted to move to a larger community with a college and more entertainment/presentations But darn middle daughter married and produced three of the cutest grandkids and then another daughter – no kids moved closer to here too. Would’t give up this location for all the world now. Family means too much and that is home – where there is love. Good thoughts, fellow Ohioan!
Cincinnati is probably a bit more temperate than your area, but last winter we did have a number of days near zero degrees and below. The right clothing makes all the difference, though–including long underwear!! When I was in high school and college, we had to wear SKIRTS–even on days like that. Crazy!! If men had worn the skirts, the dress code would have changed decades earlier! As for the importance of family, you are so right, Jean. “Family means too much and that is home–where there is love.” We can each praise God for our families that get along so well with each other and create a haven for all!
I am so looking forward to eternity! This earth feels less and less like home the further it moves away from God’s truths and commandments. It will be awesome to have no fears, no tragedies, beauty everywhere!!! And to be reunited with loved ones who have gone to Heaven already! ‘What a day of rejoicing that will be!’ Until then, however, I am happy you chose Cincinnati for your retirement years! It will be wonderful to see you again, hopefully this year!
Yes, indeed, our reunion will be a little taste of heaven!
Hi Nancy, Had to go to your website to read this. Sounds like a wonderful family reunion. I was fortunate to spend a month with my sister and 3 of her children and their families. I liked this blog for many reasons, yet not having misunderstandings with others that are not reconciled will be over in heaven. I had family here for a week in Alexandria. One of my biggest regrets was not having a family. It is so much fun watching kids come up with their own games once they get off the electronics. One 12 boy, one girl 6, one boy 2.5 and two lovely parents.
Thanks for being so faithful in writing your thoughts.
Sam
Thank you, Sam. I agree–watching kids learn, grow, become, and create is a sublime pleasure!