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What do you think about when you think of home? Where are you referring to when you say "I'm going home"?

I'm sitting here listening to Christmas music, and it's only the beginning of November. Listening to Christmas music reminds me of being back in the Bay, back in high school when I would listen to Christmas music on the radio while I drive. I remember all the things I look forward to during Christmas. Christmas chapel in my high school was fun, especially when it comes to the Christmas music during worship. I loved the skits that are performed in Christmas chapel. I loved having Christmas parties in my classes, club meetings, church/youth group, etc. The festive mood usually made me happy. And as of my senior year of high school, I also looked forward to seeing Matt Phipp's light show; of hanging out with friends when I am back from college. Seeing familiar faces is refreshing. Seeing how people I haven't seen in a while is great since I get to catch up with them. There's a lot of nostalgia. Yet, for the last two years, I only get to be home for three weeks. It will be four this year because of New Years being on Monday.

It's funny how listening to Christmas music can induce this feeling. Yet while I'm here in Santa Barbara, I'm mostly focused on what goes on here. When I go on facebook, I usually focus on what's going on in Santa Barbara instead of with the people I know from back home. I notice I am mostly focused on what is around me. I even call the Plex home. I look forward to watching Christmas movies and all the other Christmas festivities that happen here before I go back to Dublin.

Does this mean I have two homes? Quite possibly. I sometimes feel I do not spend enough time back home, yet when I am back home I wish I could be back in Santa Barbara. Actually, now that I think about it, I will only be in Santa Barbara for a year and two thirds left...unless I get a job around the area. It is pretty crazy to think about that. Once I graduate, everyone is going to be spread out. Even many of the people I knew back home would be spread out after I graduate. The younger friends will be in college, and the older people will live their own lives. At least I will still have my family back home. Meanwhile, I have no idea where God is leading me after college. Will I be going to graduate school or getting a job? Will He lead me somewhere completely different? No matter where I end up, I will consider that "home". If I end up somewhere that is not the Bay Area or Santa Barbara, I will have a third "home".

Wherever I end up, it will become home. Wherever I move, there will be many changes: different people, different locations, different schedules or ways I will be occupying my time. What will stay the same? Jesus.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Even if I end up going to a different church with new faces, Jesus is the same. I may continue to reminisce the past or focus on what is around me, but I do not have to worry about God leaving me. Wherever I end up and call "home", I need to trust that He is consistent and that he knows what is best. After all, life isn't about me. It's about Him, and He is omniscient.

As I end this post, I hope that the ending does not sound too forced or anything like that.

Until next time,
Kenneth