As the child of Salvation Army officers (pastors), I moved around quite a bit as a child, as my parents were often given new appointments. Up until I entered the eighth grade, we moved just about every two years of my life. I attended nine different schools in a variety of cities. It was quite the adventure.

Moving around so much means that whenever someone asks me where home is, there’s always a slight pause before I respond. Going from place to place makes it a little bit of a challenge to put down roots. There were certainly some downsides to moving around so much and it definitely wasn’t always easy, but, in hindsight, there were some upsides as well.

But somehow, even in places where we didn’t live very long, the corps (church) members became family and each place became home. I can remember every city and can name individuals who poured into my life, cared about me and prayed for me. The people made it home. 

It was the relationships that made all the difference. We never lived close to family members, but there were many grandmother-like figures in my life, filling that void in ways they could. I learned many of the cooking skills I have today from the church grandmas; learned how to play Skip-Bo with the seniors group; learned how to bowl with the church league. When I think about the investment they made in my life, it makes the lack of physical home not matter quite so much. The love and support they gave made all the difference for me.

Ecclesiastes 4 talks about the benefit of good relationships. “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).  

Think about your life and those who have invested in you. What difference have they made in your life? Think about others around you who might need a friend. Who can you encourage? Who can you support and build up? Ask God to help you see those who may need family. I’d be willing to bet that it doesn’t just make a difference for them, but for you as well.