By Andrea Merrell
O Lord, you have always
been our home.
Psalms 90:1 TEV
Some
say we are what we eat. Others say we are what we read. Still others insist we
become like the people we associate with. I believe we are the sum total of our
life experiences, yet it all begins at home from our earliest recollections.
As a
writer, I draw from everything that has touched my life. Even when creating
fictional stories and larger-than-life characters, I find many of my own
attitudes, experiences, and hang-ups sneaking their way into the story.
Everyone
who touches us leaves an impression—some to a greater degree than others. We
are influenced by success, relationships, and blessings, as well as pain, heartache,
and failures. Seeds are planted throughout our days—both good and bad—and they
spring up when we least expect them.
Even
though home has great bearing on who
we become, it has not always been my safety net. There were times in my life I
wanted to be anywhere else but home. The
good news is God takes all the broken pieces, smooths out the rough edges, and
strategically puts the puzzle together, forming the bigger picture. When we
belong to Him, He takes every trial and every triumph, refines them, and wraps
them in His grace. God promises to work every situation for our good, His
glory, and the benefit of those around us. He also promises to prepare a place
for us where we will spend eternity. That’s when the journey really begins.
My
story began in my childhood home, dysfunctional at best. It continues today as
a wife, mother, grandmother, author, editor, and devoted child of God. He is my
dwelling place. My Forever home.
In the
Wizard of Oz, young Dorothy had a grand adventure and met lots of quirky
characters on her way. I’ve had some pretty grand adventures myself, but one day
when I reach my heavenly destination I will say just like Dorothy, There’s no place like home.
How
about you? Will you let Him re-write your story and become your forever home?
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