After a two month stay in Oklahoma, it is time to get back to my Florida home. Unfortunately, there is a hurricane between here and there, so I am searching for a path through the storm. As I do so, I recognize how closely this trip resembles my spiritual journey.
First, is the reality of my two homes. I have a physical house in Oklahoma and another in Florida, but I also have a home on earth and a home in heaven.
Second, is the preparation. Today I need to gather everything I will need to take with me to Florida. My parka can stay in Oklahoma, my shorts should be packed. I need to put the outdoor furniture in the garage, but what about the leftover food in the refrigerator? Freeze of throw? I know that I’m forgetting something. In comparison, there is nothing to pack for heaven, but Jesus did tell a parable about ten virgins to remind us that we do need to be prepared.
Third, is the storm. Hurricane Helene is literally blocking my route home, and I am afraid we might not be able to get through. I know two things about storms: 1. There are plenty of them, and 2. They don’t last. This storm is a big one, and it is menacing, but it will pass and there will be calm. Helene might delay me, but she will not stop me from going home. Romans 8:38-39 assures me, “that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor hurricanes named Helene, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (That’s another name for home).