I was recently listening to some of those who have been quarantined for the past 14 days due to the Coronavirus express how badly they just want to get home. Home is where things are familiar and predictable. It is where we have more control of our lives and where we hopefully feel more secure. To go home after spending time in hospital provides such a significant psychological boost that it can dramatically assist in recovery.
I always enjoy touching down at Tullamarine after a holiday and realising that I am back home. Home is more than the walls and the roof – it is the security, the love, the sense of belonging, it’s the memories and the meaning behind the ornaments, it is the favourite room with the favourite chair, it’s the interactions with the family, it’s the memories and the place in the garden with special significance.
I am thankful that I have a home to return to, and I am reminded that not everyone can say that after this summer of bushfires. I could not imagine what it would be like to lose one’s home and everything in it. I could not imagine what it would be like to have no place to call home. And yet sadly this is the reality for many thousands of Australians today.
Jesus told a wonderful story of a young man who wanted to ‘find himself’ so he left his home, much to the grief of his father. When his life totally disintegrated and he was broken by guilt and his own wilfulness, the only place he wanted to go was back home. Upon returning he was welcomed by a father who never stopped loving him. The young man then realised how blessed he was to have such a loving home to return to.
If we have a loving home, then we too are blessed. May we not take such a rich blessing for granted but do all we can to make it as loving, secure and engaging as we can.
Shalom,
Gerry Riviere
Senior School Chaplain
