Sunday, August 1, 2010

Google Street View and Happiness

Sometimes when I'm missing certain places, I'll visit them using Google Street View.  I can walk down childhood roads, visit old neighborhoods, observe favorite restaurants or city streets, or spy on my own house--all thanks to Google's Street View.

And sometimes, when I'm imagining what life must be like in a different city, I'll visit University of Melbourne in Australia, cruise a street in Beijing, or explore Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood or 5th Avenue in New York.  Yesterday, I even drove down US 25 towards my favorite summer spot in the mountains of North Carolina--all clicking my mouse on Google's arrows that lead in whatever direction I choose.    

It's always tempting to believe that a better life exists in another location.

I want to believe that my location is what makes life good.  If only I were in this place or that place or here or there.  But the deeper into the life of faith I travel, the more I realize the truth behind the writer's statement in Psalm 90 that "the Lord himself is our dwelling place."  And this morning before church, I read in the book of John where God says that "he makes his home" within us. 

How curious:  I dwell in God, and God dwells in me. Sometimes I think God lets me leave certain places and arrive at others just to learn this truth.  If God is my dwelling place, it doesn't matter where I am; I'm home.  It's the Spirit of God that makes any location marvelous.  Can this be true?  I want it so badly to be. 

Visiting locations from my desk reminds me that my happiness isn't found in a place.  It's within me-- where God dwells.

2 comments:

  1. being in the midsts of transition tends to make me want stability. but thanks for the reminder that our ultimate happiness and peace is from God :)

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  2. I followed the comment link that you left on the Happiness Project blog to your site - which led me to this post.

    First of all, I have never thought of using Google Street View in this capacity - but I LOVE it. I desire to travel, but the timing is not right. This is a great way to scratch that itch with no financial outlay :)

    But secondly, I am grateful for the Biblical reminder that I must rest in God in order to experience true joy in life.

    I look forward to following your posts in the future.

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