Benefits of Homesickness

I'm not going to lie, its hard being away from home. Even if I was in the States at school, I think it would still be hard. Living in another country for a summer will do that to you. But the fact that I'm not in the States (again) just makes it a little worse. And its hard to live in an apartment with no privacy. I think all of my roommates would agree - there are just times when you gotta be alone! Not that I don't love them, but you know. And I think things will calm down once we get in the swing of things here (school, work, etc), but right now, home sure does sound great.

But, as the title of this post suggests, there are definite benefits to the occasional feeling of homesickness. They are as follows:

1) Being homesick reminds you that you love your family! I got to skype with Mama, Daddy (sort of), and my grandfather (also sort of). My baby brother was upstairs napping (as usual, haha), and our dog even walked in! Now I don't even really like dogs, but I do love Leo. He's great. It was good to see their faces and hear their voices. I love them so much, and it makes me realize I love them every time I'm gone and go back home.

2) Being homesick reminds you that you love your home! Today I was talking about Alabama with Adair, a friend on the trip who is also from Alabama, and it reminded me how much I love my home! I love my state, and my community, and my church, and my friends, and my home! I will definitely miss football season (ahh! Roll tide!) and all the great things that come with being from the South.

3) Being homesick reminds you that earth is not your home. I know that sounds really trite, but every time I am homesick God just reminds me that Heaven is my home. That the longing I feel for my earthly home is just an echo of the longing my soul has for my heavenly home. There is a place where there is no more sin, no more shame, no more sorrow, no more hardship, no more pain, no more unrest, no more uncertainty, no more waiting for what is to come. There we will be fully satisfied, we will be living our complete purpose. I just cannot wait for that!

4) Being homesick reminds you to appreciate all that you have to be thankful for. God has continually brought to mind ways He has blessed me. I even have had conversations with people tonight while typing this post that remind me of how blessed I am to be surrounded by those who God has put in my life! I am truly so thankful.

Ok, that is all I can think of for now. And please don't think I'm dying over here wanting to be home. I definitely am not taking my time here for granted! Talking about Brussels and reviewing the pictures I am taking blows me away that I live here. It is beautiful and so rich in history. I really love it. Once I'm in my routine of life, things will just get even better!