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There’s No Place Like Home     

By Heather Green 

“I am with you. I will watch over you everywhere you go. And I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15)

In this issue of the newsletter we focused on travel- worshiping while travelling and religious travel destinations. Many of us, especially those of us who are teachers or who have school-aged children, look forward to summer because it means family vacations and times for relaxation. But as much as we anticipate vacations and summer, it’s inevitable that summer ends (again, too quickly for some of us).

August means anticipating different things, such as donating items for the Rummage Sale and preparing for a new school year. Stores are prominently featuring “Back-to-School” displays and sales with school supplies and fall clothing. Some stores are even preparing for Christmas (which is only five months away, according to the news this morning, although Hobby Lobby has had their Christmas items on display since June 1st). Sometimes, after the anticipation of summer and the excitement of a vacation, returning home can feel disappointing. It means returning to reality – catching up on laundry from vacation, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping – and any problems you escaped from while you were away.

However, these routine activities are also comforting. They are comforting because they are familiar. Maybe meeting friends for coffee or a book club. Seeing the same faces in the same pews every Sunday at Church. Preparing for school, whether you are a teacher or have school-aged children. There is a certain amount of excitement in being at home.

If you find yourself feeling disappointed, bored, or overwhelmed after a vacation or the summer, there are many things you can do to add some excitement to being home and back to a routine. Call a relative or friend you haven’t spoken with in a while. Join one of the Choirs or Adult Bible Study groups at Church. Volunteer to be an Usher, Greeter, or Lector. Or attend a service at a different time on Sunday. Most importantly remember that God is always there for you.