“How often have I lain beneath rain on a strange roof, thinking of home.”

– William Faulkner

The first thing I heard this morning, even before the alarm clock started to beep, was the sound of rain tapping on my bedroom window.  Next I heard the whooshing of tires on the wet roadway outside.  This week has been a cold one, with overnight temperatures dropping into the 20’s.  Yesterday we finally conceded in the battle of thrift vs. warmth and started the boiler for the first time this Fall.  Now the warmth came creeping across the room from the radiator in the corner and completed the perfect scenario for a rainy morning.

There is something about knowing that the rain outside is cold and the wind that whips it is even colder that conjures a feeling that can only be called “home.”  We may not need shelter against the summer rain; but when the temperatures drop, we feel a deep sense of security, protection, and peace just knowing that we have a place where a roof shelters our heads and walls protect us from the wind and cold.  I close my eyes on a rainy morning, and I can remember the comfort of my mom and dad tucking the covers around me at bedtime and wishing me sweet dreams as I lay protected in my warm cocoon, surrounded by darkness but safe and secure.

Now that my dream state has passed and I sit wide awake and listen to the world outside come to life, I wiggle my warm toes and think of a hot bowl of oatmeal to match the toasty feeling I hold inside.  I think of the people whose homes have no heat.  I think of the ones who live in the streets, who sleep under the bridges or in their cars.  I think of the children whose parents have no bed for them, who have no blankets to tuck around them and make them feel safe.  What sort of feelings will conjure for them an image of “home?”

As Thanksgiving approaches, can we all consider ways to bring warmth in the cold, harsh world?  Open your doors.  Open your hearts.  Bring shelter to those who suffer, whether it is an actual roof that stops the rain or a kind act that stops the pain.  Let’s find ways to be the roof and the walls that brings the warm feeling of being home to those who wander in desolate places.  If we are fortunate enough to carry the feeling of “home” inside us, let us become generous enough to give that gift to those who feel alone.

Today I am thankful for a roof and walls and for the feeling of “home” that warms my heart.