“Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.”

I enjoy traveling, but I really like being home. Like in this verse, home to me is more than just my house and yard—it’s my community. The people and places I’m familiar with are my home. This verse carries a sense of being exiled or having to leave and sojourn in a foreign land. In Solomon’s day, being sent away from one’s homeland was considered a punishment or even evil. Happiness was found in their homeland, surrounded by family and friends. Unfortunately, that is not always the case or possible for many people today, and that is a shame. Growing up, I moved regularly. My friend group was always small and new. Just yesterday, my daughter mentioned a child in her seven-year-old’s class. As we discussed that little boy’s family, we reflected on her mom and dad—both of whom grew up and went to school with my children—and their parents, who were longtime acquaintances of mine. Community is a gift. God blesses us with a community of believers who are vital as we live life and face struggles. Today, as much as possible, hang onto home and the people there. #BeTheEdge

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.”Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬