House or Home

 The thing about winter is that, although it brings rest and renewal to creation and gives way to spring and new life, there is also a destructive element to it.  Fences need to be strengthened and there is a patch of pointing in the brickwork that needs some attention to prevent dampness from seeping into the inside of the house.  Roof and loft areas need to be checked.  Repair and maintenance always seems to be ongoing - always something to do, inside or outside.

I love watching all those property programmes on TV - Homes under the Hammer, Escape to the Country, Location,location,location etc.  Some properties are beyond our wildest dreams while others are quite humble and ordinary.  But then I look at the news and see what happens to man made property when creation begins to groan and we see the effects of floods, earthquakes, war and unrest in the land.  And things seem to take on another perspective. 

Maybe it's because I have lived in many different houses and places in my life, that I can't quite understand people who are so attached to a particular building.  Of course there are memories that we wish to keep hold of;  there are untold stories and emotions connected to certain places.  We should enjoy the place where God has allowed us to be and be good stewards of the material things he has given us but also try to see things from God's world perspective.  

A house is a place to live but a home is a place of love and that can be wherever God chooses for us to be.  So as we face the necessary repairs, I try to keep focused on the real purpose for our being here - to live out the love of God and make a difference just here, whatever the bricks and mortar look like.