Monday, January 15
Going Home
Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.
Last fall I had an opportunity to travel to my hometown, Novato, California with two of my kids. I have lived in Minnesota for 23 years and I get to go home once every year or two. During my last trip, I took extra time to do some throwback sight-seeing. I drove by my old boyfriend's house. (He's my husband, now -- talk about nostalgia!) I swung by the Taco Bell where I had my very first real job. (it's a Mi Pueblo now, but it'll always be Taco Bell to me.) I drove up to the country club where my sister and I ditched swim lessons. (tee hee!) I also drove by the cemetery where my husband's parents are both buried. My kids had never been there, and it was a great opportunity to share stories about the grandparents they never knew. I spent time with my mom and dad and stayed a night in the house where I grew up. It was cool to spend time with people who knew me then.
Besides visiting places from my past, I also enjoyed the people in my present. I spent the week watching my sister's kids while she was on a business trip in Europe. I took the tween to ballet and the preschooler to soccer. We went to Goodwill and bought a whole bunch of random crap that we put together to decorate their house for Halloween. We all climbed into my sister's bed each night and snuggled as we watched kid-friendly Halloween movies. It was wonderful to create new memories with family who didn't know me then.
There's something magical about going home. (Yes, it can also be frustrating and agonizing, but that's a story for a different blog.) Just as Jesus was about to embark on the 3-year journey that would lead him to the cross, he recharged at home. He spent time with his mother, brother, and disciples in the place that would always carry him as their own. His journey would be long and challenging. But for now, he'd rest and soak up the love of the people who knew him more than any others ever would.
Narrative Lectionary Text: John 2:12
After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.