Change of Address
We’ve all heard it said many times. The old proverb has been passed down through many centuries. It’s a truism against which none of us would mount a serious argument. It expresses a relatable sentiment. It’s remarkable that a proverb so enduring and so etched into our psyche and vocabulary has no known author.
The saying I am referencing is this one: Home is where the heart is. Some scholars in the field of ancient literature suggest that the original source of this proverb is the Roman philosopher, Pliny the Elder, who in his writings entitled, Natural History, wrote the following: “Wherever I roam, I am still at home; my own hearth is where my home is.” I could be convinced that Pliny the Elder’s version was the forerunner of our modern day version.
Heart and hearth. These words are very close in spelling and in meaning. The heart, understood biblically, is the seat of human emotion and will. Hearth evokes the image of a place of safety, comfort, and belonging; a fire burning and filling the soul with love for those who warm themselves at the same hearth, the same home.
I’ve thought a lot about this lately. Last month, I wrote about Critical Transitions. I told you that we were in the middle of moving from our place at Bonneau Beach, back to Pinopolis, the place we called home for 24 years; the place where we raised our children (Not the same house, but the same zip code, so to speak.)
The idea of moving from the place we called home for 17 years was a difficult one. The move itself was an incredibly difficult undertaking – emotionally and physically, I do not recommend it to anyone of our age. But by the grace of God and much needed help from others, the move is complete, if not the unpacking. This part is going to take some time!
There is a lot to love about our new place. It’s closer to grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. (Dare I say it, Walmart!). Most importantly, it’s closer to family members and many of our dear, longtime friends. But what I’m getting at is this: Home is not a house or a place, or location on a map. Home is truly where the heart is, where love is. It’s anywhere shared love resides. Home is where the hearth is; where a family gathers at the end of the day; where they come out of the cold, harsh realities of the world and into the warming firelight and glow of God’s grace and the gift of his abiding love. It’s where God’s unfailing love is mutually shared by husband and wife, parents and children, and grandparents and grandchildren alike. THIS is home, and it always has been.
Nothing has changed but our physical/mailing address. Everything else is the same. We’re home! Come see us anytime. Caution: We might put you to work unpacking boxes! You might want to wait a while before you drop by.
Ministry Update:
I am writing this update on Sunday afternoon, June 29. This morning, I preached my last sermon at Old Fort Baptist Church. It was a memorable day I will not soon forget. Elliott was there, along with Brian, Brittney, Davis, and Andrew. I felt very humbled by their presence and so appreciative of their support.
I honestly believe that Old Fort Baptist Church is on the road to success, to use our Compass Coach and Consulting Mission Statement. The journey with them has not been easy at times, but the rewards have been tremendous.
I’m so thankful for the opportunity God gave me to serve as their Transitional Pastor over the last year. It has been a great blessing to serve with some outstanding, gifted, and devoted people during my time there. God is faithful and true to his promises and to his people.
Where we go from here is unknown at this juncture, but I’m confident that the Lord will reveal what he has next in store for us. Please pray for us as we seek His wisdom and direction in the coming days.
I am certain of one thing: At this point in my life, God has led me to minister to and be present with Elliott, who has sacrificed and contributed so much to my ministry as a pastor and minister of the Gospel. And I look forward to what’s ahead as we settle into our new home.
Thank you, my ministry partners in Christ,, for your prayers, support, and faithfulness to our call and the Cause for the sake of His Name. Glory to God!
New contact information:
Hal West
Compass Coach and Consulting
PO Box 94
Pinopolis, SC 29469