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.
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 :)
ReplyDeleteI followed the comment link that you left on the Happiness Project blog to your site - which led me to this post.
ReplyDeleteFirst 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.