by Teresa Wright
Dorothy knew the truth: "There's no place like home." But, what is that place? For the star of The Wizard of Oz, Home is Kansas. Yet, the longer she stays stuck in Oz, and the more challenging experiences she faces, the more she realizes that Home is far more precise than a city, a town or even a house. Dorothy learns that Home, in fact, is that Place where you feel utterly comfortable, safe, connected to your surroundings.
Home, for most of us is the place we rest our heads at night. Home: is it a dwelling, an abode, or a hideout? Or does sanctuary give clearer voice to its meaning?
This month the idea of Home is fresh, and heavy on my mind. About to make a big change to my own homefront, I struggle with the expectations from others, and the world of humans around me.
You see, for me, Home is first the universe, then this delightful planet we call Earth. And, no matter anyone's judgement or 'well-wishing', my beliefs won't be swayed. My Home is comfort. I am that I am - nothing more special than, and as incredible as, a firmly rooted tree. I offer branches to the birds, and bugs. I am happy with or without dirt on the floor. I will not sacrifice my Home, for anyone's misguided notion of a 'good' or 'perfect' home.
If you’re struggling to grasp the big picture maybe you could watch the National Geographic channel’s (www.nationalgeographic.com) One Strange Rock. Hosted by Will Smith, it gives viewers a very different perspective of our home planet. Earth, after all, is our only Home. And, how we treat it matters!
I don’t believe that anyone holds to the thought that we are mere sojourners passing through – without consequence. But, our choices – our Every-Day choices, affect our lives, our children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Everything we do affects our home. Everyone together, across generational, social, cultural and economic lines, living with integrity, is the only path Home! I urge you to be the best steward of the earth you can be!