Hiraeth is a Welsh word. I’m Welsh. And Hiraeth claims to be an unique feeling that only the welsh can feel. It is a “deep longing for home” in Wales of course.
Now I am currently based in Cheshire and have felt this deep longing for Wales. I miss the cradling of it’s mountains and the tamelessness of it’s coast. But when I spend a holiday there, after a week I got a longing to go back home to Cheshire, because that’s where my friends are. That’s where my church is.
What’s my point? My point is that this is not our home. This world with its hurts, frustrations and longings is not our home. The fact that we’re hurt, frustrated and long for better points to that! It’s important as we draw near to God that we are honest about these hurts. Some we will have to say sorry for but others are a natural and God given longing for better. Because we were made to be in near to God, in His perfect creation.
As we draw near to God we are enjoying the company of our true home.
When you have time pick up a pencil and paper and draw how you imagine your true home. Point out the different features to God and notice the longings it brings up in your heart. Give those longings to God and listen to what He says about each one. It might reveal a little about what you are called here to do on earth.
Watching the open skies of Cheshire, the rocky faces of Snowdonia and sitting still in my garden with a sketchbook, I like to think I glimpse a tiny bit of heaven.
Please do not feel that the drawings that you create in your quiet times with God have to be spectacular or well-drawn. Take as much time as you need. They are there for you to help process your thought and commune with God. I have sketchbooks full of “ugly” drawings which I show no one, but have been instrumental in growing my relationship with God.
Enjoy drawing.
Warmly
Lea Helygain
