Dorothy had it right. There really is something special about being in a place where significant things happened to you, where you know where the streets go, and what used to be where, and where you just might run into not one but two friends at the Qdoba.
If you've always lived in the same town, you really can not understand what it is like to come home.
For someone who had spent fully half of my life overseas, I can't express how much fun I have had being at the Sullivant retreat center this month, where I had significant spiritual journeys in college.
Today it came to the forefront of my mind as I was riding around the OU campus. I could not help going inside some buildings and taking pictures.
Eugene Peterson talks about how God created us as people to be planted in physical places, gardens where we would grow. That is why it's so cool that Jesus came and "moved into the neighborhood." (John 1.14 in the Message)
Of course the other half of Home is being with people you share significant history with, even if you're not in the original location. That water under the bridge is so important, even if the bridge is no longer there. So we could add "There's no people like folks."
I've gotten to touch both sides of home these past few months, and I can day both are precious gifts from God.
My daughter goes there, and my oldest son went to OU as well. It is a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteps, the reason this Monk has kids is that I am a Widower.