I was born in Georgia and spent most of my adult life there. I’m sure that’s why after spending extended time in Florida I begin feeling displaced. That red clay is hard to get out of your nails. I suppose it’s just as hard to get the sand out from your toes. Florida is beaches and sunshine, but it is also daily lizards on the front door stoop. Not for everybody, though it does have a certain tropical flair. Georgia, on the other hand, is pine forests and springtime blooms, but it can also have pollen levels off the charts. The reality is they both have their appeal. Yet, we still long for what we don’t have.
Sehnsucht is a good word. It’s of German origin and roughly translates to “inconsolable longings.” I think this must be what Paul was feeling when he said: “We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8).
I notice down in Florida you see bumper stickers that say “Life is Better in the Mountains,” and up in Georgia you see stickers that say “I’d Rather Be at the Beach.” Now, some of these longings for the “other paradise” are the manifestations of fleshly discontentment with our lot—in this instance, wanting a better geography (a.k.a. The-Grass-Is-Greener Syndrome). But I also wonder if much of the sense of displacement we sometimes experience is of a good origin, arising not so much from discontentment, but from the inconsolable longings within the hearts of God’s children. Could it be that, like Paul, we can’t wait to be at home with the Lord too? Upon reflection, and from the dual perspective of living out of red clay and sand, I think that’s exactly what it is.
I hope this encourages you to keep your heavenly home on your heart today.
Kevin Murray
© 2024 All rights reserved
I often refer to FL as “the Promise Land”. Having grown up in the mountains of WV, since an early child, I always loved the beach. Finally, after +60yrs, with 33yrs in Metro Atlanta, my wife and I now reside at the beach. The true dream has become a reality, and my wife and I love our new home! It took 20 yrs of careful preparation, but we made it. Much like our final home, when we are called to leave our earthly home. I try but typically fall in my final spiritual preparation for the forever home, the world is full of distractions. However, I look forward to finally realizing that the Grass will be truly greener, when we get there!
Thanks Kevin, for your inspiring words!
Hi Phillip! What a tremendous blessing for you to have found a home you love so passionately…a foretaste.
As a native Floridian and avowed beach-lover, I also feel not quite at home in Georgia (though it’s not without its own appeal). Which immediately reminds me of this C. S. Lewis quote: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” Thanks Kevin!
Good message reply! Thanks for that. I didn’t know you were so…Floridian. A place gets in your system and it doesn’t leave. I’m thinking God will give us a full dose of every place we’ve ever been and loved and miss.
The grass is greener on the other side because that’s where the septic tank is!
Thought you were going to say you’re finally coming home.
Love ya man
Insightful words about the grass is greener, Mr.Cook. Commonsensical and, some might say, profound. God has not called me back to Georgia so far. Love ya too
Great message Kevin!
Even after Abraham got the promised land he was still longing for heaven. Hebrews 11:9-10 A man after my own heart.
That’s it Len. Hebrews 11:9-10. You nailed it.