The Homebody

 

I was never truly a homebody. My mom used to say that as a child, I was happiest in the car, going somewhere, it didn't matter where. As a young adult, I have already traveled and seen many places. 

However, a different season in my life began when I was newly married, and my husband frequently traveled out of town for work. I was juggling college studies and being a young mom with our first daughter. I spent a lot of time at my parents' house to help manage the baby and focus on my studies. It felt unfair, especially when I saw my closest family and friends traveling and enjoying themselves on social media while I had little going on in my own life.

During this time, I learned a lot from my mom about her walk with God. I also spent many evenings alone in our apartment, reflecting and listening to Bible teachings, just as she had always done.

Although I often felt trapped and alone at home, I now recognize how essential that time was for my spiritual growth. I learned to appreciate solitude as an opportunity for spiritual development and to genuinely enjoy my time as a homebody.  It was a season meant to prepare me and essentially taught me to spend quiet time listening to God.

I found the same to be true for Jacob of the Old Testament. God had great plans for Jacob. He was destined to become one of the Patriarchs of faith, frequently mentioned throughout the entire Bible.  But there was a season in his life where God was developing him.  The Bible records that as Jacob and his brother grew up,...

The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents.  (Ge. 25:27 NIV)

Another translation says…

…but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home. (NLT)

While Esau explored the world, Jacob stayed home with their parents. I am convinced that at this time, he learned valuable lessons about the faith of his father and grandfather, Abraham. This season of quiet, with not much going on, allowed Jacob to appreciate solitude, preparing him for the spiritual journey God had destined for him. His time as a homebody equipped him with the experience necessary for what soon lay ahead, a real one-on-one encounter with God.