On the Minister's Mind
by Rev. Laine Morgan
In his book, A Hat Full of Sky, Terry Pratchett wrote - “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.”
As I return from my travels early next week, I am so ready to come back! It may sound strange, but I think one of the best parts of traveling is coming home. If that sounds paradoxical, it’s because it is!
You might be wondering something like – “If you are so ready to come back, why did you leave in the first place?” Pratchett explains it perfectly. There does seem to be something extra waiting upon my arrival back home. The dogs somehow seem cuter, our home feels cozier, the bed is more comfortable than ever, and I just can’t wait to hug every one of you! But, as he pointed out, coming back is not the same as never leaving.
When is the last time you gave yourself the gift of coming back home? Yes, there are numerous gifts in the travel itself in that you see new places and have novel experiences and live in different cultural situations. I highly encourage the perspective stretch that travel offers, and I do it regularly, but the gift of turning the key in your own door is very special too.
Never leaving is so safe and stable, less complicated, and secure. Many, many people choose to never leave. Statistics show that 11% of people have never left the state they were born in, and over 40% have never left the United States! We each have a personal relationship with our desire or willingness to go, but I can assure you that your soul wants to experience as much of this human plane of existence as possible! And, your soul also understands the concept of a personal sanctuary. Both are precious gifts to embrace.
My encouragement to you is to travel and then, come home! Otherwise, you don’t get the second half of the gift that such adventures offer! If it feels like cost stands in your way, always remember to ask yourself – how much would I appreciate it? So often, we don’t know how much we would appreciate something until we have actually done it, so start small if you must, but start! I can’t wait to hear your plans for going, and then for the very special return home, where I will be waiting to witness all the stories!