If there is any statement that is a testament to our lives, this is it. Home truly is where the heart is. Every several months we pack our suitcases and head across the ocean to Europe. Once the basketball season comes to a close, we pack those suitcases again andhead back to Houston, Texas. We will pack up those suitcases again shortly after but the place and date are unknown. It is a crazy life we live but goodness what a blessed one.
It is always in the back of my mind, but mainly during the holiday season where I am reminded that home is where the heart is. My physical home changes often and that’s a wonderful opportunity we have been afforded, but it is also a difficult one. We miss our extended family and friends during this beautiful season, the traditional family Christmas fun like Christmas parties, white elephant gift exchanges, Martha Washington chocolates, peanut brittle, and lots and lots of love. We miss the lights on the tree in our living room, the ornaments that remind us of old memories, and the Christmas carols on the radio and TV.
But what a beautiful reminder, home is where the heart is. My heart is with my husband and son. My heart is full of love and laughter with our German friends, my heart is at the home of friends who became family and chose to have us spend Christmas with their family. My heart is in the stadium full of fans cheering, “defense” and “Williams for three.” My heart is in the smile of my baby boy playing with his little German friends. My heart is in the clouds while I take a brisk morning jog. My heart is here; it is ever present in the fact that today is a day I choose to make this place home. Home will change quickly and I will miss these moments too, so I choose to embrace the days, the new couch, the new walls, the new car, and the new food with a smile and with a little prayer asking God to continue to bless us with these new “homes.”
My heart is forever home when I am with those I love the most. I miss many others, but today, I celebrate those I hold in my arms.
We can choose to make this holiday season and 2016 a time to cherish and embrace change, differences, adversity, trials, loss, and love. Don’t go to bed angry, forgive, let go and let God, say I love you, don’t rush, put the phones down, hug your loved ones, and make your heart full of what means the most…. make your heart your home.
It truly is the best place to be.