Time to go home…

While shaving yesterday morning I realized that I was looking into the same mirror, that more than 30 years earlier, I had looked into as I shaved for the very first time. Only now the face was older and grayer with more chin hair than hairs on my head. It was clear that time had passed, life had changed, I had changed.

Returning to my childhood home, seeing my Dad and my siblings brought back many memories. It was good to see family, old familiar places and old friends. Later today it will be nice, real nice to see my wife and daughter. Life goes on.

I had expected to have a divine appointment on this trip and I had two. I had hoped God would speak to me in the land of my fathers and he has. I returned to discover I was right to leave. Am I ready for this next phase of the journey? No more so that any other phase but, I am older and maybe a little bit wiser.

It has helped to go back as I look forward. The realization that I have come so far encourages me, giving me confidence to forge ahead. Like so many others I sense a shift in the Spirit and I feel challenged to step up. This trip has brought to mind St. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

I return to my adult home from my childhood home with a renewed passion for the road ahead. Brooklyn is in my blood, always has been always will be but God is calling, adventure awaits and my heart will not be denied. In weaker moments I might consider taking the safer path or the easy way out but Fugheddaboudit, it’s not how I was made, it's not how I was raised.

Heavenly Father, bless my earthly father and help me to father those you have entrusted to my care. Give me the wisdom I need for this next leg of my journey. Give me eyes to see who and what and how. Grant me courage and faith to say yes and yes again and yes again… amen.

© Tom Zawacki 2006