Coming Home

As Nathan's father, I have mix feelings to be honest about him coming home. I fear that I won't be as sensitive to daily miracles that occur in all of our lives if we have the faith to exercise, do the work to bring them about, and listen to the Spirit to know we are where we should be. What a blessing it is to have a missionary out as it rises one's own spiritual growth.  I do not think I can share ALL the many, many blessings that Nathan's service has brought to him, to his mother, to me, and to his sister. I testify that Nathan is closer to our Father in Heaven, having left a spiritual youth and is coming home a spiritual son of of God. 

I am not sure if I have shared this YouTube clips on here, but man, this video sure brings back memories. I remember driving down to the MTC a 30 minute drive, and then walking around and taking pictures with Elder Nathan Eads. I remember driving over, pulling over, opening the back of the Pathfinder and a missionary taking out the bags as Nathan said good-bye. I got in one kiss on his forehead and a love you before Nathan was walking forward, never looking back, anticipating the journey that was coming. I will never forget the grief and loss I felt for the next two weeks until I prayed with all my heart to my Father and He answered me, reminding me that Nathan was His son long before Nathan became my son. That our Father loved Nathan and as with me, almost 30 years ago, our Father had taken care of me, protected me, blessed me, taught me, and transformed my life. Would I deny my son that opportunity? The opportunity that solidified my own conversion to the Gospel and provided the foundation that ensures I cannot walk away or deny what I have learned? There was more but the point was made, and suddenly as I gave Nathan, my only son and one of only two children that were miracles that came into our lives, to my Father, the burden was lifted, my heart was comforted and I knew then that I had to trust in my Father. I had to exercise faith in Him as I have done in the past. 

I remember shoes with holes and have a picture or two of Nathan with shoes with holes in them. I remember working in them in the winter and again in the summer in North Carolina with water seeping in and soaking my socks.  It was a great feeling. 

Finally, I hope we can provide to Nathan the joy of coming home to a family. I hope and I know and testify that the home coming that happens at the airport is a micro experience of what it is like to go home and be greeted by our family and loved ones in the Spirit World. In the end it is family that is the cornerstone of our faith. I cannot wait to give Nathan a huge hug. Coming home in 5 weeks and yes, I admit it, I am SO looking forward to it! 

I modified a couple of words to fit for serving in Italy: 

Coming Home

I said good-bye to my old life, 

Followed my heart, for more than five thousand miles, 

I lived the joy, I've known the pain, 

I felt the hand of God, out on those frozen streets, 

I walk today, on blistered feet, 

And now the echo of these canyon walls 

Make me want to sing, 

I've never seen beautiful, like a journey's end, 

When nameless faces become my best friends

I've never seen wonderful, like walkin on, 

Into this mountain fortress that God made of stone, 

I've never seen trouble rolling underneath my feet

I'm coming home, 

I prayed so hard, my faith would last,

Buried my past on those ancient streets, 

We all had nights, we'd lie awake, 

Prayin we'd wouldn't ever be the ones, who never got to say, 

I've never seen beautiful, like a journey's end, 

When nameless faces become my best friends

I've never seen wonderful, like walkin on, 

Into this mountain fortress that God made of stone, 

I've never seen trouble rolling underneath my feet

I'm coming home, 

I thank my God, on aching knees, 

I raise my prayers, and He hears me, 

I've never seen beautiful, like a journey's end, 

When nameless faces become my best friends

I've never seen wonderful, like walkin on, 

Into this mountain fortress that God made of stone, 

I've never seen trouble rolling underneath my feet, 

Oh, I never seen anything that feels, 

Like coming home, 

Like coming home, 

I've never seen beautiful 

and I'm coming home