A Simple Path – To Finding Home
“Peace – that was the other name for home.” ~ Kathleen Norris
After spending more than two weeks in Florida (for both fun and work), I sat exhausted on a Southwest Airlines flight last Friday night. When the pilot announced the flying time would be three hours, it had the same effect on me as if he said the flight would take an eternity. Both measures of time felt the same in that moment.
But mingled in with my tiredness was the excitement of one last thing to do – come home.
I couldn’t wait to come home.
While traveling is fun, by the end of each trip I feel the twinge that reminds me I’m not home. I think I’m becoming a home body as the half-century milestone lurks closer.
Beyond enjoying the curve of my pillow, knowing where the extra toilet paper is kept or sitting on my favorite side of the couch, my home is the safest place I know.
It’s more than the stucco and lumber that is in constant need of repair; my home is the place that reminds me what matters most.
My home is where I watch Emily practice her sauté before leaving for dance class. My home is where I indulge in my guilty pleasure of enjoying a glass of Malbec while watching the game. My home is where I find the space, and time, to write. My home is where I’m part of a family.
My home provides the framework for a beautiful life.
Sometimes the simple path to finding home begins with becoming mindful of its graceful presence no matter if the sink won’t stop leaking or if the garage is a disaster.
Spring will be here soon. When it arrives there will be projects to do. The deck needs a new surface and the tree in the front flowerbed has grown to the size of a redwood. Like always, care will be given to make certain the house gets made it needs.
Later in the summer, we are planning a beach vacation to celebrate my 50th birthday. There will be excitement in packing and heading east. But when it’s time to come home, I know I’ll be ready to return and live as long as I’m given in such a wonderful home – no matter how often our address changes.
I know I’ve found my home.
It’s built on the strongest foundation I know.
And I can’t wait to live here for the rest of my life.
What is A Simple Path?
This post is in A Simple Path, a twice-weekly series of short pieces inspired by my own life experiences. Each post is a simple path to experiencing something wonderful: maybe seeing life from a different perspective, or celebrating its beauty. Click here to read all posts in the series.
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Comments
13 Responses to “A Simple Path – To Finding Home”
What do you think?
Alex, so cool you were able to get away and relax. Glad you had a great trip and I’m glad you were able to get home safely. You’re absolutely right. And I must be honest and confess: I don’t always appreciate home the way I should. When the kids (the toddlers) are up at 4:30, I’ll admit, I’m exhausted and frustrated. I know it’s all in my perspective, but this is an area I’m really working on. And I’m grateful God has patience with me.
Absolutely beautiful! You are on the greenest grass – there is no grass-is-greener-on-the- other-side. How wonderful to be so content in your home.
Bryan – been there, done that, so I know how you feel. God will give you patience to take a step back and appreciate every moment – even if it is a 4:30 a.m. moment!
Yep Harriet, the grass is just fine on this side of the fence. Thank you for your encouragement.
Lovely post
Home is where love is.
As a long time divorce with my kids all grown I either work at home – or away from home – staying in hotels etc. For a while after the kids left I was unsettled about being in the house as it felt like a prison of loneliness to come back to – or to be stuck in if I had to work there. Now, after taking the time to appreciate it over Christmas when the kids were home and it was full of life again, I have learned to notice the joy of my home for what it means to me. My haven, a safe place to escape to, a place of calm to focus on my work, a place where I chose to be if I want time alone, or where I return to after a busy spell away or a fun night. It is my little piece of me – my stuff, my thoughts and most of all where my heart is – and all those that know and love me know they can find me there
Hi Alex — You’re so good at not just appreciating the little things — things few of us notice or, if we do, take for granted — but unlocking the kernel of meaning in them. Nearly every human being can relate to your notion of home, none more than those who are without one.
Thanks for the good work you do!
Alex, this post has warmed the cockles of me heart, as we Celts like to say! Like Jeffrey Willius, I give you special kudos for unlocking the kernel in the very center of the “heart” of the little things. And the “little people” tell me I am right! Your photo posted here reminds me of how I feel when I am truly “at home”.
Being one who loves to travel and live abroad (right now I’m currently living in Japan) I’ve discovered the joy of Being Home as well. But for me I’ve come to the realization that my “Home” is any place my amazing wife Yumi is.
However, both my place of residence and wonderful wife are subject to the the Law of Imperminance so I realize that I need to be diligent in discovering my truest “Home” which resides within. A place of Peace and Harmony that I can “escape” to no matter where I wander from my residence.
Home certainly is Nikky.
Michelle – I love the image of your home being little pieces of you. So glad to hear about the healing your home brought this Christmas. Continued blessings to you.
Thanks so much for your sincere encouragement Jeffry – that means so much to me.
Rose – you have warmed my heart, too – cockles and all. Thank you.
Tranque – I agree. Your comment reminds of the lyrics to a song (hope I have this right: “Home is where the heart is
And my heart is anywhere you are.”
Thanks for reminding me of this truth.
Hi Alex,
Beautifully descripted…..home is so many things, good.
be good to yourself
David
In the words of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home! Home is always appreciated better when we’re away from it for a duration of time. Home is where the heart is. It’s our place of comfort, rest and relaxation. Glad you were able to endure the flight back home Alex! And congratulations on your 50th. You certainly don’t look it! God bless you, friend!
Hi Alex,
Glad that you enjoyed your trip my friend. 3 hours is not much, when I went to visit my country, it took me 11 hours to get back home. I agree with you many times we forget to appreciate home as they say, “there is nothing like home.” It is always good to travel, but it is also good to come back home. Thanks for sharing my friend
David – home is so many things; so many beautiful things.
You are too kind Jarrod – I may not look it, but some days I certainly feel it. Our homes can be a tremendous source of comfort when we make the investments to make it so.
Dia – you are more patient than me! You’re right, home is always good to come back to after a long time away.