Coming Home – January 04, 2004
It is hard to imagine spring this time of year, with much of our world blanketed in ice and snow. But when the thaw comes, a mass migration begins. Thousands of geese wing their way home. Some fly from southwestern Europe to Scandinavia, others from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic. Using the natural beacons of the universe—the sun and stars—they navigate routes thousands of years old. Young ones on their first journey learn from the older geese. They memorize landmarks and are encouraged to move forward by the untiring flock. Some will fly great distances, traveling night and day, while others will migrate in stages. Yet most will arrive home, the place of their birth, their beginning.
With a new year upon us, it is a time for us to reflect on our own migration home. Home is our beacon, where we first felt the love of our parents, siblings, and friends. As our hearts dwell on those we love, let us ponder the love our Father in Heaven has for us. Let us not forget our ultimate destination—to return to our heavenly home, to our Father. He gave us life, long before we came to this earth. If we are receptive to Him, He will “turn the heart[s] of the fathers to the children, and the heart[s] of the children to their fathers.”1
Those of us who are older must remember to guide the younger ones, to teach them the landmarks that will keep them on their eternal course. We all must be careful not to let our altitude carry us too high above the natural wonders, the simple pleasures, and the everyday joys that connect us with God. And we must be true to our hearts—that internal, divine guidance system which will return us to our spiritual home, if only we will follow.
Program #3881
1. Malachi 4:6.