Let's be real. My blogging skills are at a real low this summer. Maybe even worse off than my phone-answering skills. But we haven't given up yet... here we go!
We've been back from Iraq for nearly 3 months, which is so difficult to believe. We keep getting asked, "Is it good to be back?" Typically we say, "Yes," but the real honest answer would be longer, more complicated, and probably not what people have time for.
I'll reveal the real honest answer here. It IS good to be back home. However, when there are bits and pieces of your heart that feel more at home in a far off distant country, even the best hobbit hole can feel a little unsatisfying. But it's not a dissatisfaction with life in general. We are content. The Lord has provided everything we need! It's probably best summed up in this quote you might be familiar with:
"If I discover in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." - C.S. Lewis
I'm not made for Franklin, Tennessee or Dohuk, Iraq. I'm not made for this world. Living abroad doesn't satisfy the longing for something more, it only irritates it. Each culture hints at certain flavors of heaven, and can only whet our longing for that distant far off country called Eternity.
Our hope is that God is the same God here and there. He's faithful to us wherever we are!
June: Beach Time with the Smiths
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| My sweet friend Elisabeth lives in Pensacola and met up with us for some gelato! |
July: Moving
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| I always forget how much work it is to move! But we're really enjoying our rental house. We have some wonderful neighbors! |
July: Meyers Family Reunion
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| 22 people in 1 house for 4 days, 1 water well, and 2 inches of rain since April = no water the last 24 hours. But we managed to have a lot of fun anyway! |
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| 3 sweet nieces |
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| The Grandpa and his watermelon crew |
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| Talent Show Night! There was drama. There was basketball. But most of all, there was music. |
August: Coming Soon!
Wow! Great thoughts. You say it beautifully. I often get homesick for heaven, and I can definitely identify with not feeling completely at home in any one place. I also love the Lewis quotation.
ReplyDeleteHey Debbie! Thanks for your comment. I know you identify for sure! I hope you've had a wonderful summer with your family. Ready for the next year of adventure?
ReplyDeleteJules! What you wrote really spoke to my heart and I can relate 100% with that as a Christian. Often times I have tried to put into words exactly what you were just talking about.
ReplyDelete-Elisabeth