Yesterday, we were invited to watch football with friends. It was a special invitation because it was a Pittsburgh Steeler game and we were with a group of friends who recently moved here from Pittsburgh. It is the type of invitation you dream about when you are from the ‘Burgh and living somewhere else, and when the invitation comes from good friends it is all the better.

We had a wonderful time which was only multiplied by a Steeler win. Shouting at the same plays, cheering for the same players and enjoying some familiar foods made the time very special. The decorations were black and gold and Terrible Towels were all around. It was a perfect afternoon and in moments I felt like I was back in my hometown. Even now, I still feel a little homesick in the most positive way.

As I’ve thought about the time we shared and how great it feels to connect with friends, roots and a significant part of my identity, I thought about the many ways that I connect with my deeper identity as a Christian. Moments spent with other members of the family of God, focused on the goals of the kingdom and encouraging one another make for deep connections with the One in whom our faith is grounded. Sometimes it is the rituals, the familiar words and the holy places that help to remind us of our citizenship in heaven.

It feels great to know that there is still a great deal of my hometown still in me and that there are people to share the experience with. It is amazing that there is a part of heaven and the presence of the Holy Spirit in me and other members of the family of God to share the experience with.

I thank God for friends, family and sense of place, both here and in eternity. It is a blessing to allow the symbols of home to lead us to a deeper experience of our identity, our connection to others, and our place with God.