Home Sweet Home – by Bryan Johnston

By on Aug 25, 2017 in Uncategorized

JohnstonMy grandfather Harold Martin made his home in the Mona Community in Northeast Montana. His parents homesteaded there in 1915 and after marrying my grandmother Edith in 1925, they built their life together on that land. They had five children together and were active members in the Church and kingdom of God. My grandpa loved his family, his land, and his Lord. He worked hard running the farm, helping neighbors, and serving the church. He loved teasing his grandchildren, playing games, and making music on his fiddle. My grandpa loved his home.
When his wife Edith preceded him in death, Harold spent time living with his children. The farm was taken over by his son Duane and Harold would continue to help when he was able. His two daughters who lived in town would take turns looking after him and caring for his needs. As much as he loved his daughters’ care and attention, he always had an aching for home. For the first couple of years after Edith’s death, he would routinely ask to go home.
His daughters would kindly take him from town out to the farm his home. He would seem satisfied and at peace, even though missing his dear Edith. In the last two years of his life, when he would ask to go home and his daughters would take him to the farm he didn’t seem as satisfied. Even after returning to the farm, his homestead, he would still ask if he could go home. The only other home he was longing for was his home in heaven, where he would be united with his sweet Edith, his loving Father, and his Lord.
 
Praise God he made Jesus his home and there he abides. Jesus is home. He came to this earth to be with us. He made himself flesh and lived among us. Jesus brought his home to us and invited us to life with him. Jesus was in perfect fellowship with God and he desired for us to make our home with him. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23) Abide in the Lord, make your home with him.
 
– Bryan Johnston, preaching minister, www.churchofchristnb.com – nbcoc@hotmail.com – Comments welcome.

 

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