Home

Sumter, South Carolina is home to me.  I was raised here.  And I loved it during my early years. 

Then, in August, 1993, I moved away.  For twenty one years, I was living in other areas.  Along the way, I thought to myself, "Man, I just want to get back to Sumter.  That's really where I want to be." 

Finally, I the summer of 2014, I got what I wanted.  After 23 years, I got a chance to move back home to Sumter.  And what a thrill that was. 

If God lets me, I plan on staying here in my town for the rest of my life.  There is no place I would rather be.  And I hope that when I take my last breath on this Earth, it's right here in the Gamecock City.

The people here are wonderful.  And the location makes it easy to get to the beach or the mountains in no time at all.  This place has a grip on my heart, and I want to remain here for the long haul.

But recently, this was what ran through my head:  As much as I love Sumter, it's not really my home.  Paul explained this perfectly when he wrote in Philippians 3:20, "our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."  This may sounds a little weird to some people, but Christians have a home that is not of this world.  It is actually in Heaven with the Lord.  And what a special place it is.

Yes indeed, our time here on Earth does matter.  Very much!  There are blessings to enjoy, people to love, and missions to accomplish.  God has us here to do His work by being His hands and feet.  And we should make the most of the years He has given us in this world.

But it is vital for us to remember that God has created us for eternity, and we can spend this eternity with Him.  Let's not get too attached to this world and start thinking this is all there is.  We may reside here temporarily, "but our citizenship is in heaven."  That is where we ultimately belong.  And, thanks be to Jesus, that is where we will be one day.

As long as we are walking on this Earth, let's make our time count, but let's also keep this in mind:  We're not home yet.  One day we will be, though.  And what a great day that's going to be.