We were the parade...in the "Parade of Homes" ...

Parade of Homes

Theology in the Trenches

by Kathleen Kjolhaug

 

We went to the big city to partake in the “Parade of Homes.” Many a laborer had spent hour upon hour in preparation for this event to come see what home is now on the market. Each one of a kind design is open for onlookers and curious callers.  A “Maze of Homes” might be more like it, but once we saw the streams of people partaking and the cars lined up curb side, it was soon evident that we were the parade, not the homes. When it was all said and done, it was the final million dollar model which took over my thoughts.

The rustic brick fireplace, the comfortable theatre, each bedroom with private bath, not to mention the pantry just off the kitchen, was nothing short of remarkable. It was homey, down to earth, and peaceful all in one. Closets were big enough for bedrooms, the office area off the entry way added versatility, and the three hundred pound table looking like a family heirloom, were stunning. The latest in alarm systems was in place, a refrigerator that I never knew existed made the kitchen that much more intriguing, and as you entered, the welcoming committee handed out brightly colored flowers to each guest….real ones at that.

It’s been about seven hours since leaving the premises and oddly enough, there is only one thing leaving a memory marker more prominent than the flower handed over upon entering. Being asked to take off our shoes as the others had required did not bother. But, what did bug me just a bit were the gatekeepers picking them up and depositing them into the three stall garage at the other end of the house. It just seemed to send a message, that’s all. And, the message was clear…this is where you exit…and we don’t want those dirty shoes clogging up or making a mess for the next one. Once the walk through was finished, we did just that…exit. We scooted out that back door making sure the house remained clean at all costs. We shuffled out without a soul in sight, never to return again.

As we drove away, an odd memory surfaced. It was a story a good friend relayed after a high priced vacuum sales representative had come to her door. Wanting to make a sale and after spending several hours showing her how much dirt the expensive beauty had collected, my friend came to one conclusion. She informed me that the only way she could justify spending that much money on something would be to spend hours and hours vacuuming each day…something she did not want to do.

So, I came to the conclusion that indeed everyone’s reality looks just a little different and that whatever it is I own, I want to own it and not have it own me…dirt and all. Reality calls and when it does, it sounds like this.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2. And, I would venture to say that we won’t have to exit through the back door…but will “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise…For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5.  Amen