This World is Not My Home

Two years ago this coming Friday I walked my Mom and best friend to the door of heaven and said - see you soon. For forty years she was part of my daily life - loving me and investing in my faith as only a mother could. She loved Jesus more than life and I’m thankful to have witnessed her courageous faith even when faced with an unexpected diagnosis - terminal brain cancer.

I have much to share and hope to do that in the coming days in honor of my Mom. She loved music - and she loved using music to share the hope she possessed. I hope to do the same.

So today…. A story and a song.

Five months after my Mom passed away I was invited by my Bible study group to visit a nursing home. To be honest, I was reluctant to go. My heart so tender and raw. Howerver my Mom had a huge heart for the people there and would often take her guitar and sing songs for the residents. If I have learned anything about grief one of the best ways to combat despression and hopelessness is to do something for someone else. So, I grabbed her guitar, my squirmy four year old, and decided I would go.

I took a deep breath and walked inside. The people were gathered around tables in the dining room. Nursing homes are so interesting to me. In many ways we dismiss the people there, yet they hold lifetimes of value and stories. I went around from table to table and asked if they had a favorite hymn. I enjoyed their selections but my heart ached for my Mom as I each song was sung.

I approached another table and asked the same question, “Do you have a favorite hymn?” An older man said, “This World is Not my Home.” I smiled as I know it quite well. It is one of my Mom’s favorite songs. I can picture her - big smile, boldly singing the words, “This world is not my home I’m just a passin' through…. My treasures are layed up somewhere beyond the blue….”

I finished singing and the man started asking about my guitar. It was obvious he plays. I handed the guitar into his weathered hands. His fingers intuitively played the same song - one he had no doubt played many times. I was captivated by his ability as he sang the song for me. When he finished the verse I was ready to clap... but suprisingly he continued on. I had heard this song since childhood and here a new verse unfolded that I had never heard before….

"I have a loving mother just up in gloryland

and I don’t expect to stop until I shake her hand. 

She’s waiting there for me in heaven’s open door

and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”

Talk about a mic drop moment. Ha.

My eyes welled with tears as hearing this verse felt like a wonderful gift being unwrapped. I went that day hoping to be a blessing and God used this man to bless MY heart in a tremendous and unexpected way.  He knew nothing of my situation but God did. The words of that song comforted my heart and reminded me - we have HOPE beyond the here and now!! And aren't you glad??

You know, the words of the song are TRUE. This world is NOT our home. I don’t know about you but I have yet to meet someone who has somehow escaped death. And that can be a difficult thought. The wonderful truth? If we believe in Jesus we have a home that awaits! A home that will never face sin or death or brokenness or pain. A home that will be eternal!!!

I find myself singing the first lines of this song often as I go about my day. This world can feel pretty hopeless at times. But with our eyes fixed on Jesus - we can confidently KNOW a day is coming when our faith will be made sight.

My desire in sharing music is not to perform for you, but hoping that you might sing along with me. Maybe while you are doing laundry or dishes… or taking a walk... I picture us singing before the Throne of God together. And I imagine my Mom is singing along….