Just a few weeks ago I passed through customs and immigration as I re-entered Canada after being abroad. As he returned my passport, the officer smiled and said, “Welcome home!” That sounded very warm and welcoming, and I appreciated it. To a large extent, we are accustomed to the climate, culture, and scenery of the country in which we live, and in a natural sense are glad to be back in it after traveling.
But the officer did not realize that I was not yet “home.” I was reminded of a brother who lived all of his life during the 19th century, and who traveled a great deal. When asked what part of the world he liked the best, he answered, “When one is near heaven, when Jesus is all, one place scarcely differs from another; God remains God, holy and love, and man remains man.” This is true, and if we are enjoying Christ, we will find that this is true. The poem chosen for this issue of The Christian says it far better than I can.
W. J. Prost