Home is Where Your Heart Is

Today finds me away from home on a road trip with my husband. We visited this little hometown called Laurel, MS for the first time over a year ago and never realized we would be able to return for work-related trips.

I had never chosen to visit a place based only on a TV show. We really enjoyed our first visit and after just one night, we hoped to be back. We ate at the Loft that claimed to have the best burger. I have eaten many a burger and I can say that their description is true. There's a lot to choose from on their menu and the place itself is full of beautiful decor and a fun atmosphere.

This trip, we are feeling a little more comfortable in Laurel. We have eaten at some of the restaurants and walked the sidewalks (some need a little tlc). We enjoyed the Prancer Path during the Christmas season. I toured the Lauren Rogers Art Museum and enjoyed that experience. We love our regular spot, Woodland Cottages with Isao and Kathy Fukuda. They have made us feel welcomed and are our home away from home. They have been a gift to this newly empty nesting mom.

Today I went to Wilson's Commissary. Lots of great old architecture and family style tables greet you as you walk in. Their motto is "Put some south in your mouth!" There is inside and outside seating with a bar area. Service is usually quick and friendly. I have enjoyed the cheeseburger and tried the chocolate pie today. Pretty good pie, but I love cool whip over cream cheese so that is more preference than taste. Sweet tea was great on this warmer day.

My favorite stores are Laurel Leaf and the Rusty Chandelier. I also enjoy looking at things in the Laurel Mercantile and Scotsmen Brothers. My new Hometown t-shirt is nice to wear and add to my t-shirt collection. Bella Bella has a nice variety of gift items, and the owner is super nice and friendly. Across from Bella Bella is a gift store, souvenir shop, and office supply store. Again, very nice owners and staff.

Sometimes being on the road can get challenging and we look forward to returning home. In this season in my life, we are renting and getting our old house ready to sell. I feel like I don't have 'home' like I did before. I return to a temporary apartment that is very different than my home. I realize though that all the different homes I have lived in have been for a season, temporary.

They say home is where your heart is. My heart belongs to Jesus so my home is seeking His will for my life step by step today. My home is eternal and one day will be where my two grandbabies and a lot of others I love and miss--Heaven. My challenge currently is to be grateful for where God has guided us to at this apartment and in all these changes.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18--"Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

What will the future hold? What kind of home will we have? I have no idea. I do know that God will guide and provide in the right time and wherever He is, is the right place.

Home is where the heart is.... trust God with all our heart. Mama says.

c. MamaSays 2025