Home to My Father
This is a story shared with me by my husband. Together we have written it as a testimony to our Christian homes and our journey toward the Throne of God.
The open road is a place of peace. Since early childhood Keith has had a passionate love for all things motorized and the adventures they allow. The wind in his hair and miles before him bring balance and a cleared mind. He knows why the bear went over the mountain. He is that bear and it isn’t just one mountain, it’s all of them. The wandering has never been aimless, for every journey brought him home to his father’s house.
Keith was raised on a rural farm. Keys were left in vehicles, night lights were a waste of power, they ate what they grew, stored for the winter, shared with their neighbors and practiced hospitality to people far and near.
Learning how to repair or build motors was a required lifeskill for a farm boy. Keith found these labors intriguing and challenging. Their backyard garage was alway full of family and friends, metal cabinets full of essential tools, a bottomless quart of oil and a gas can that never stopped pouring. Deep camaraderie grew. Local and world affairs were debated, the great mystery of girls was pondered and a lifetime of adventure was mapped out. At the end of each day there was food for anyone weary and hungry. The thought that this existence was rich with generosity never came up, it was just the way they lived.
In his early twenties, Keith moved to Branson to work and prepare a place for our future. He was returning home for a visit one weekend and passed a couple of hitchhikers from the north headed to Louisiana and the promise of work. It was late fall and the weather was cool. Without considering the danger in picking up strangers he pulled over, invited them in and continued South toward his mom and dad’s. The pair shared their story of hardship, yet hope was just a few days away if they could find the resources to press on. The miles brought Keith to the turn off toward home, but that was out in the middle of nowhere, so he continued on to the next town, then said, “Good-bye and good luck,” and gifted them the contents of his wallet.
Why did Keith do this senseless act of kindness? Because he was headed to his father’s house. He was headed toward warmth, food, companionship, security. He had confidence in the riches and love of home.
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not a life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Matthew 6: 25-26
No matter where life’s adventure takes you, there will always be a home at the end of the journey and a Father on the porch waiting to sit down, eat, fellowship and share His riches so live generously…… be kind…….. it matters.
Waving from the by-ways,
Keith and Gretchen