Sketching Home: Finding Holy Work in Daily Living

By Catherine Larson

I was seventeen with my nose to the glass of my plane window looking out over the glorious sun-streaked Andes as I made my way homeward after nearly three months living in Cuzco, Peru. Streaming through my headphones, the voice of Michael Card washed over a weary heart:

“Though you are homeless, though you’re alone, I will be your home. Whatever’s the matter, whatever’s been done, I will be your home.”

I wore that cassette tape (yes, cassette tape!—I’m that old) out in the months and years to come, rewinding again and again to hear those words. 

In some sense, never had I felt myself more keenly homeless than then. I was on the brink of starting college, my family was in the process of moving again, my heart was left behind in Peru for the people there, and I had this intense sense of not belonging to any particular place. But the idea that God would be my home ministered to me too deeply for words. It was the answer to an ache I couldn’t have told you that I had until I heard that song. And the song hinted at a hope, an even deeper longing that my heart had not yet put into words:

“When time reaches fullness, when I move my hand, I will bring you home, home to your own place in a beautiful land. I will bring you home….From this fearful fallen place, I will bring you home.”

Home… a place prepared for me, a place to call my own, a place of belonging, and being known, a place of rest and enjoyment.

Home… a place that would be the antidote to this land of hurt and fear, of sorrow and suffering.

Home… a place where I would no longer be the foreigner, the alien, the stranger, the outsider.

What word could I even give to the feeling which that would create in me, but home?

I’m thinking about home again these days because I’m doing my best to nourish the life of home for my husband and six little boys. I’ve been reading a lovely book, by Sally and Sarah Clarkson called The Lifegiving Home and have been mulling the importance of creating a space that breathes with life and nourishment and beauty and love and warmth. And the more I read and the more I think how can I make my home into a haven for my little ones and husband, the more I realize what spiritual work this is.

When Christ left his disciples he promised them, “I go to prepare a place for you.” Those words have always hung mysteriously in the air for me. What does that mean? But instead of beating my head against closed doors of mystery, I’m leaning into the obvious. Christ is a home-maker. He did not deem this unworthy work. He passionately cares about creating for us a place of belonging, a place of rest, a place where we will know what it is to be fully known. He has left to do this for us. It must be important. And He has given me the job on this earth of creating a little living metaphor of this ultimate hope.

These days I’m sorting little boy underwear. I’m sweeping up the crumbs of a day’s worth of messy eaters. I’m kissing a dirty knee. I’m attending to cries in the night. I’m making another meal for picky palates, a meal that will be half-left on their plates.

But I’m doing holy work. I’m making a living metaphor.

Child, do you want to know what God is like? He lays the feast for you. He watches over you in the night. He tends your wounds. Child, do you want to know what heaven is like? Look at this rough, rough sketch I’m chalking in on this sin-sotted board of the world. Heaven is like home. Heaven is like mommy and daddy loving you. It’s like our best days of laughter and cuddling. It’s like that feeling of being tucked in by one who loves you. Let me draw you a picture here on your heart. I’m not a very good artist, but I’ll do my best.

Holy work, friends. Don’t forget it!

Sketch home in their hearts. They won’t forget it!

You Belong Here,

Catherine

“At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD.”

Zephaniah 3:20

CATHERINE LARSON

After graduating with a Master's degree in Biblical Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary, Catherine Claire Larson spent seven years writing with Chuck Colson for BreakPoint radio, Christianity Today, and Newsweek online. Today, she writes amidst the clatter and curiosity of six young children. Catherine is the author of two beautiful devotional journals, Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You’re Expecting, and Watching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby’s First Year. These books seek to lead moms closer to God, while journaling prompts offer a unique way to record milestones and prayers for one’s growing baby. To follow along with Catherine Claire Larson’s writings follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or her website.