|
“Home”
As you may have noticed, the Chapel is bustling with service and social activities, as well as special worship experiences. The Chapel’s staff and volunteers are working hard to put the Chapel back together, all because we are hoping to help provide structure, peace, and solace to those who need it. Sure, those of us already at the Chapel need it, but so do lots of other people in our community who have yet to discover a church to call their home.
“Home” is a special word that means lots of things to everyone. Each of us have our own vision of what “Home” should be. For many people, thoughts of Home bring back fond memories that include loved ones and special occasions. For others, thoughts of Home are more of a dream, wish, or prayer, because they are seeking something different from what they currently experience.
As we approach the Holidays on Longboat Key, thoughts of Home will be prevalent. People will be striving to convert their current situations into an environment of peace, comfort, and smiles. Some people will be able to complete that work while others won’t. Regardless of anyone’s ability to put pieces back together, all of us would agree that things are going to look different at home, our favorite shop or restaurant, and at church.
All of us have already learned that our perfect wish list for Home is not always possible. However, we’ve also learned that the best Home is the one that the LORD provides, even if it’s not as perfect as we would have hoped.
You may be aware that a few months ago, Auntie Helene and Uncle Milton paid us a visit. They have never made a visit before, and we would have never guessed that they would show up this year. But they did. They wrecked our house. My favorite shop has reopened, but it is very obvious that my Aunt and Uncle must have been there because things are still upside down. I recently learned that Aunt Helene and Uncle Milton also paid a visit to my favorite restaurant and caused so much damage that my restaurant may never reopen.
This is my new reality of Home. It no longer includes one of my favorite places to eat. Home doesn’t include a full selection of inventory at my favorite shop and my normal drive down Gulf of Mexico Drive isn’t nearly as pretty as it used to be. However, my Chapel, which serves as my Home away from Home, is up and moving. Worship is powerful. Service opportunities are everywhere. Social activities are back on the calendar and my friends are returning.
Home is going to look different. Home is also going to feel a little different. But it is evident that God is here, and God is creating something that is new, peaceful, inspirational and exciting. Helene and Milton did their best to mess things up, but they are no match for God and the Home that God is providing for all of us.
Blessings, Brock
| 
