Sometimes when I’m missing certain places, I’ll visit them using Google Street View. I can walk down childhood roads, visit old neighborhoods, observe favorite restaurants or city streets, or spy on my own house–all thanks to Google’s Street View.
And sometimes, when I’m imagining what life must be like in a different city, I’ll visit University of Melbourne in Australia, cruise a street in Beijing, or explore Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood or 5th Avenue in New York. Yesterday, I even drove down US 25 towards my favorite summer spot in the mountains of North Carolina–all clicking my mouse on Google’s arrows that lead in whatever direction I choose.
It’s always tempting to believe that a better life exists in another location.
I want to believe that my location is what makes life good. If only I were in this place or that place or here or there. But the deeper into the life of faith I travel, the more I realize the truth behind the writer’s statement in Psalm 90 that “the Lord himself is our dwelling place.” And this morning before church, I read in the book of John where God says that “he makes his home” within us.
How curious: I dwell in God, and God dwells in me. Sometimes I think God lets me leave certain places and arrive at others just to learn this truth. If God is my dwelling place, it doesn’t matter where I am; I’m home. It’s the Spirit of God that makes any location marvelous. Can this be true? I want it so badly to be.
Visiting locations from my desk reminds me that my happiness isn’t found in a place. It’s within me– where God dwells.
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being in the midsts of transition tends to make me want stability. but thanks for the reminder that our ultimate happiness and peace is from God 🙂
I followed the comment link that you left on the Happiness Project blog to your site – which led me to this post.
First of all, I have never thought of using Google Street View in this capacity – but I LOVE it. I desire to travel, but the timing is not right. This is a great way to scratch that itch with no financial outlay 🙂
But secondly, I am grateful for the Biblical reminder that I must rest in God in order to experience true joy in life.
I look forward to following your posts in the future.