I’ve been gone a few days. I’ve been “home” for a couple.
Writing has eluded me. My mind is overloaded and my heart is sad.
Family and love call me south. Family and obligation call me north.
It looks like Interstate 5 and my trusty car will get a work out this summer. And that’s ok…
… but I do long for roots. I want to say, “this is my home – this is where I recharge – from here I branch out and I go and I do – but then I come here – home”.
South is the people I come from… and the sun… and orchids that grow crazy, big… and a place my presence is wanted.
North is husband and children, a blessing no doubt… but also the dark, unwelcoming house… and the gray, rainy sky… and the one who only tolerates my presence… barely.
I know where I belong because the man is here, but the rest makes no sense. Maybe it never will.
So today I read the letter Paul wrote to the people of Philippi where he talks of joy and rejoicing no matter what, and contentment, and he says “I have all I need – more than I need!” … and he wrote that from a Roman prison cell.
I think there is much to learn in that letter.
One happy thing happened while I was gone… it bloomed.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4: 8
Heart's Home 
As always, I love your posts. 🙂
The scripture at the end, (Philippians 4:8) reminds me of one of my church’s Article’s of Faith:
#13 – We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul – We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, a hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
I would say you’ve endured a lot! You’re quite a trooper! And although one only “tolerates your presence….barely”…..just remember her stage in life. I really don’t think she has much control anymore. I’m sure it’s very hard, but try not to take her comments/actions too personally. You are an amazing woman, wife, mother, grandma, mother-in-law…..You’re wonderful! Keep your chin up. We love you!
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Thank you for your sweet and encouraging words. I’d say your article 13 is right on:) Love you all….
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Do all roads lead home? Maybe not, but they do lead to where you are supposed to be…pics are beautiful–lov the post.
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You are right… right where I’m supposed to be. Thanks 🙂
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your welcome. I have to admit, I have moments where I’m thinking, “here? I’m supposed to be here? Are you sure???”. 🙂
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Brooke,
You inspire me to keep my eyes on Jesus.
You have captured the angst of care giving, retirement, and uprooting and turned your thoughts to the One Who is faithful and will never leave you. He will stand firm when you are too weak to stand. He will love you just as you are and delight that you can see the beauty of the world He has placed around you.
Blessings upon blessings be yours, Marilynxoxoxox
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Marilyn, your words are always healing and uplifting to me. Thank you 🙂
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An honest post, from a heart on overload. The longing for roots is a tough one – we can know our deep roots are eternal, but the here and now? We want that, too. I like your analogy, wanting roots to branch out from, and come back to. We want things to make sense, but sometimes, they just don’t. The spring blooms are beautiful – full of hope, for fruitful days ahead!
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I have always struggled to hang on to joy and I think this is the biggy I’m dealing with now. I just called to check on my mom and we talked about acceptance and living joyfully no matter what. And… I did ask the Lord to use me..to really use me. And here I am! I appreciate your comment/question on longing for roots here and now… I think I’ve been seeking something that can never really be here on earth. I always love your thoughtful comments!
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Beautiful reminder to trust God even when things don’t make sense. His ways are so much higher than ours. His love is so profound and can wrap us up in comfort even in cold, rainy places. I hope you find Him everywhere!
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Thank you – – I am finding Him:) And learning more lessons on trust. At least I am proving one is never too old to learn 🙂
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Beautiful post and bloom . . . thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you. I’ve been snapping pictures for two days – – so much natural beauty. A wonderful blessing.
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🙂
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