“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19

Waking up to a Monday is not really that big of a deal. After all, they come around once a week! But today…THIS Monday…is a little different because it’s the first Monday after a long Christmas break. For me, being kind of semi-retired, I don’t HAVE to BE ANYWHERE! But for some reason, it seems like I should be!

Katie is getting ready to go to work. Having enjoyed over 2 weeks of being allowed to sleep-in, the time has come to get up and DO what we NORMALLY do! Being fresh on the heels of 2021 after such a churned up 2020, it is easy to ask the question, “But what is normal?” If you’re like me, the desire to crawl back in bed can be almost irresistible!

Facing a New Year can be a challenge, because I can’t escape the fact that, while ALL of us are on the same ship, EACH of us has different responsibilities. A cruise, a break or vacation is fun. But ‘Normal’ is where we live! In today’s Bible verse, Jesus had just made a special trip, through a storm to rid a guy of his demons. As Jesus was getting back in the boat, the healed man wanted to tag along. Until Jesus gave him his new job…”GO HOME!” HUH????

After many years of work and preparation, my oldest son Clint started his new job as a Harbor Pilot. This picture came across my phone yesterday on his first run! He told me the feeling was overwhelming, as the responsibility is a big one. Bringing ships in and taking them back out requires an INTIMATE knowledge of what home really is! For at home, thar be LOTS of close and treacherous obstacles to avoid!

Clint didn’t get there alone. His brother Colt was a big help, since being home to him is in the same place! He introduced him to people using HIS contacts and knowledge, to prepare his brother to succeed. Our whole family prayed and supported and encouraged along the way. Now we ALL get to celebrate the culmination and joy of the journey!

Exotic new places can be thrilling. New things to do that don’t’ seem so boring are ALWAYS a temptation. But reading this story today helps me to realize that Jesus isn’t really asking me to do something I am unqualified to do. It helps to remember that, when I’m looking for something big and spectacular, Jesus simply tells me to “go home and tell THEM what the Lord has done!” Which MUST be important!     And I think I just did!