"Even when you've been on a beautiful vacation, home calls to you. Home is the place where you feel like you belong." Kathy Spampinato

Have you ever been away for several weeks, or several months, and realized that you long to be home? You can't wait to really unwind, and sleep in your own bed with your own pillow. Even when you've been on a beautiful vacation, home calls to you. Home is the place where you feel like you belong. Ideally, it is the spot where you are known and understood. It is where you really feel accepted and welcomed, and can rest from the stress of life.

I've been pondering why home sometimes feels so good. Part of it is that my home has begun to reflect me. I've chosen most of the furnishings, and arranged them so they appeal to me. The pictures on the wall and the objects that are on display on my counters and bookshelves reflect my interests, my aesthetic, and make me smile. They also reflect special moments and memories of my life. When I walk in, I recognize the place where I can be truly me! I do not need to present a perfect image, hide my true feelings, act like I'm perfect, or put up walls of defense. I can relax and simply rest. Home has become a place of healing: my sanctuary.

When I think back to the first few years of my marriage, I was still discovering who I was, and what appealed to me. I had no idea what my style was, or what would invite me to rest. In fact, I rearranged the furniture every 4-6 month for years! I was trying to find the perfect arrangement and liked to mix it up for a fresh view. The same can be experienced in life. We are still discovering who we are and what really reflects us as people. We are contemplating how God made us, and what He wants us to do and to be. We might try a few different things on for size. We might work or volunteer in a few different areas before we realize what fits: what reflects us, and reflects God's hand print on our hearts.

Today I realized that "home" has become larger for me. In Exodus, we are told the story of how God gave very detailed instructions to the children of Israel for the construction of the Tabernacle.

Exodus 25:8-9 ESV " And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it."

My life has become a sanctuary for the presence of God. Many years ago, I learned a cute but heartfelt song about making a sanctuary for God. The lyrics, written here, create a poetic and prayerful moment.

"Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary

Pure and holy, tried and true.

With thanksgiving, make me a living sanctuary,

For you."

Have you created a special place in your heart where the Spirit of God is welcomed and invited to enter? Is God comfortable and able to show His true love and character there? When you create your quiet place with God, you can truly relax, unwind, and be the authentic you. It is a space of welcoming for both of you. You can dwell peaceably with God and discover more about who you really were created to be. Your life has begun to reflect the character and fruit of your life with God.

When I expand this idea to include the church, it begs us all to create a space of welcome and safety. The church should be a sanctuary for others. Let's look back on some of the characteristics I used to describe home for me.

"When I walk in, I recognize the place where I can be truly me! I do not need to present a perfect image, hide my true feelings, act like I'm perfect, or put up walls of defense. I can relax and simply rest. Home has become a place of healing: my sanctuary. (It)...also reflect(s) special moments and memories of my life. "

Are you willing to make church a welcoming and healing place for others? Can you suspend judgement and critical attitudes to create the atmosphere of home and heaven? Let's ask God to create His sanctuary in our hearts and let it shine like the beacon of home for others. God bless you today as you walk in this direction.