Montana is “home” for both Sharon and me. We left it to go to other places years ago – to work and serve. Lived in several different states, cities, and houses… but Montana (especially Western Montana – The Mission Valley – and Ronan and Polson in particular) is still “home” in our hearts. We love Montana – and we look forward to returning there whenever we can.
What’s “home” for you?
When we travel “home” to Montana nowadays we have to stop doing what we’re doing, turn around, and travel many miles to get there. As we travel we recognize locations along the way that bring back fond memories… places to stop, take a picture, visit a special restaurant, places where dear friends live! It’s refreshing! As we draw near the Rocky Mountains home just seems nearer. Then we come to Missoula, where Sharon went to college and got her nurses’s training… more refreshing memories. Onward past Missoula to Ravalii, past the Bison Range, and then the first, awesome view of the Mission Range as we top the pass and drop down to St. Ignatius and then… You guessed it HOME!
When I decided to follow Jesus… “Heaven” became my “home!” Since that day, I’ve traveled many miles, done many things, made a lot of friends, and had a lot of different experiences. Times of refreshing (also times of trial and testing) have come and gone. But the truth is, I’m on a long journey… a journey “home.”
All of that came to mind as I read Peter’s exhortation to some people who were challenged to turn around and stop going the direction they were headed, and start their journey “home!”
Here’s how he put it to them… He said, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, Whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.” (Acts 3:19–21 ESV)
Yup, glad I turned around one day from the way I was headed – down a wrong road, headed to destruction. I asked for forgiveness and received it! Then I started on the long journey “home” – to “Heaven.” Gotta tell you on this journey I’ve had some wonderful times of “refreshing” (and a few trials, temptation and testing)… But believe me, the journey has been wonderful… it’s been worth it! I’m headed “home” and one day Jesus Christ Himself will come and take me over the last hill to the place my heart longs for… Heaven is my home! Hope to see you there!
