My vision of home was made real in this writing and painting by friend Tom Cox. When I close my eyes and dream as Tom, it may not be where I am now but perhaps another day...perhaps another day.
"The Concept of "Dream House" is a form of "Sense of Place". A home is a personal identification with life itself. Home connects us to our childhood, family, and community. In many ways our imagination can contain clues to our inner self, what we want and where we want it. Some are living already in their dream home, some are just dreaming. To me, my dream home is near yet far. I live in an apartment and have a lovely view of Otter Pond. We can see all kinds of wildlife, and we share nature in an intimate way. We do not see Schooners passing by, but we do see kayaks, canoes, water skiers, and all kinds of other things like ice boats and skaters in Winter.
The idea of "House" is a universal symbol. Those that become "homeless", are many times without hope for the future, and seek solace in mind-numbing behaviors. "Home" may be in our dreams. I dream sometimes about places I have lived, and to me, home is an elusive longing in my heart. Its almost as if, finding my "dream house" would loose its meaning if it became my "real house". Where I now live I think should be my "dream house", because it has most of my ideal aspects in real form, but in my heart, I know it is not my final destination"
3:1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ. 3:2I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able; 3:3for ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of men?
Paul, the apostle, spoke to the Corinthian Church at their request. From Ephesus, he emphasized the teachings he had shared when visiting Corinth for some 18 months on his second missionary journey. Paul wrote two letters (many theologians believe three or four) to the Corinthians answering their questions and speaking of unity and defending his ministry and integrity. Many felt Paul's speaking to be boasting on himself and his associates, but he was adamant in his apostleship, his goal to preach to the gentiles, the need for growth in knowledge and in spiritual maturity.
Do we find ourselves settling for less than what god offers? do we find ourselves as carnal Christians, accepting of Jesus, but putting little effort into our relationship with him and knowledge of him? When Paul spoke of knowing Jesus, he meant experiencing him and his resurrection power. are we stricken so much with the world that we are unable to be fed the "meat" of god's word. Yes, Jesus loves us, came for us, died for us, and rose that we may later rise to be with him. but there is so much more to be gained in the here and now. Working through and for his glory requires we submit ourselves to study, service, and sacrifice. All three will be rewarding to us in the here and now, but even more so in an eternity with God.
Consistent daily growth should be our goal. Purposeful, powerful and passionate lives will be the result. We will become as the strong oak; able to withstand life's weathering.
