Post by: Jami Amerine
I have been chewing on this scripture for a couple weeks now.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 ESV
For the last two weeks, we have been living in our hunting cabin. Our house is undergoing extensive upgrades. My husband is not only a general contractor; he can do anything. Once he rescued a stranded driver on interstate by repairing his radiator with some goulashes and three zip ties. The driver reported he drove it another 50,000 miles with the provisional repair.
Needless to say, I can have some things tended to that might otherwise cost a fortune.
But in our tiny cabin in the woods on our ranch, I haven’t been in need. Well, selfishly in need of space from the three littles. But other than a washer and dryer and Internet service, we have everything we need to live a lavish life. Better than most.
Still, I am eagerly awaiting my renovated residence.
My permanent address.
And as I flip through Pinterest and online catalogs, I dream of all the fun things I will do to our newly refurbished home. I carefully plan the placement of each picture, candle holder, nick-knack, rug, and throw pillow. My permanent address will be stunning.
And in that stunning space, I will have friends and family over for spectacular feasts. I will fix beautiful meals, tasty pies, and pastries. Wine glasses will make musical “clinks” as we toast new years, new lives, marriages, holidays, and celebrate those we love as they pass on, to their permanent address.
Permanency.
Perhaps because we moved so much in my childhood, I am more prone to crave and create spaces that are indicative of permanency. I want to create a lovely home where everyone feels welcomed.
This is my spiritual gift, hospitality.
I want a home that speaks to the soul. Halls that whisper welcome, and a table that screams, “SIT! STAY! ENJOY!”
I can make this happen. Napkin rings for every occasion, a table that seats 18, a fire in the fireplace, or fluffy multicolored beach towels next to the pool. Watermelon in summer, smores by the fire pit in the fall, and rich, decadent cocoa with homemade whipped cream and festive sprinkles by the light of the Christmas tree.
I can make this happen.
All of it.
This is my craft.
Well, all of it is mine to give, except – the permanency.
I can’t make it all stay.
And that is what I desire.
This is what evades me.
For deep within the borders of my heart, I am still wandering like the nomad I was raised to be.
The longings of my flesh might seek to create a fanciful, cozy home but my spirit craves permanency.
And that can only be through the Father by His Son.
The most hospitable of all, my Jesus. He creates for me a forever address. No repair is needed; it was purchased on the cross. Timeless, perfected, beyond cozy or hot chocolate, this place I long for – this place I have not known…
Yet, somehow know, this will be my forever home.
Angels heard on high, praises to the King of Kings. Mercy, grace, and joy will sing and I will be reunited with my God.
Lord Jesus, let this be the true desire of my heart. Let me not lose the focus on my true home. Keep my eyes ever upward. Forgive me when I stumble and obsess over the trinkets, lace panels, fragrant candles, sales, and paint swatches. I wish only to have eyes for you, and my permanent address. An eternity of worship in a beautiful home…
One you prepare for specifically for me.
May your floors be sticky and your calling ordained. Love, Jami
But as it is written: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 COR 2:9