Putting down roots…again

It's about 6 months now since we moved from Texas, and I've been reflecting on that transition. When we first moved to Texas, I was hesitant to make friendships and get very involved in the church there since I knew it would be temporary (2 years, maybe only 1). Of course we couldn't really help ourselves, and we were sucked into choir and small groups; and I was eventually ordained a ruling elder.

But now, we moved "back" to North Carolina. I love my job and it's great being close to extended family. However, this evening I see our family having to once again set down roots. I miss being 10 minutes from other couples our age with kids our kid(s)'s age. I miss getting up before dawn on Thursday mornings to shoot the breeze with some of the guys from church over greasy breakfast food and slowly (oh so slooowly) go through a book of the Bible. And the church here is different – not bad (at all!) just different in character and style in many ways.

It’s partly a matter of time to settle in here – and get used to being so far from the church building, and therefore the majority of the membership. But, on this Easter Sunday, it’s also a matter, I think, of longing for that final permanence that can only be tasted to a tiny degree in this life. I really long for that eternal city of God, for that permanent home that will never be shaken. I’m tired of setting down roots in a place and then having to dig up again. I miss the many friends I’ve made, but I’m bad at keeping up. I suppose it’s driven out by more immediate tasks and geographically close people to see. Consider this passage - I hope it gives you great comfort to look for that permanent "place":

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. -John 14:1-3