Home is Where the Heart Is

I have a friend who travels for his job. He travels the globe, and I must admit that I do get envious when I hear of his many destinations. My life, you see, consists of a ten mile radius. On days that I don't work, it's more like a two mile radius. I rarely "get out of Dodge," but thankfully, my Dodge is a pretty nice place to be. However, my eyes do thirst for scenery other than pine trees. Beaches, mountains, prairies, and bustling cities with towering skyscrapers would be a welcome view many days.

Through emails, I learned that within a week's time, my friend had been to Germany, spent the weekend in London, and then flew off to Istanbul. I cannot imagine! It sounds so exotic... so beautiful... so wonderful. So unlike Dodge.

Before I allow myself to get too envious, I must remind myself that the grass that is always greener on the other side can turn out to be... artificial turf. You see, artificial turf is pleasant to only one of the five senses. It may look pretty, but that's about it. And just how does this relate to exotic places? Let me explain.

I had to laugh when I read a letter from this globe trotting friend of mine. After being to the beautiful places I just mentioned, he said he couldn't wait to get back to Duluth. Hmmm... Let's just ponder that for a moment. Germany. London. Istanbul. How many breathtaking images flood your mind? Many, right? Duluth. Just doesn't do the same thing for me. Now, before you Minnesotans get too angry with me, please know that I love Duluth. When I am there, I get a wonderful feeling that I am so far away. Lake Superior and the North Shore are stunning. But as for now, it is the middle of winter, and winter brings bitter cold, and barrenness. Duluth to me, is just not exotic. It just doesn't rank up there with Germany, London, and Istanbul. (Possibly, because I've never been to those places.) Now to my point... When my friend was in the midst of the far away places, he said he couldn't wait to get back to a place that is so common... common in my world. You could insert the name of a place that is common to you. It is probably a place where many like to visit, but it is so close to home that it has become common, therefore not always appreciated. Longing for a common place after experiencing exotic destinations proves that home really is where the heart is. Home is where the green grass is. It fills all of the senses. There is no artificial turf at home. Home is real, it is genuine, it is what we need.

So, I am thankful to be in Dodge. As much as I long for exotic adventures, I will cherish the real grass. I will go barefoot. I will smell the freshly cut grass and remember that everything I need is right here. My suitcase may be empty, but my heart is full.