Our home away from home

Published 2:13 pm Monday, May 3, 2004

By Staff
When my wife and I travel we enjoy eating at the "Cracker Barrel Old Country Store" restaurant. As a matter of fact I am in bad trouble with Bonnie if I don't make plans to visit there at some point on the journey.
I asked her why she liked it so much. She said it was like home. The food is like home cooking. The service is good. The atmosphere is relaxing and enjoyable.
Since the Cracker Barrel was established in Lebanon, Tenn. in 1969, it has experienced great success!
There are 480 of them located in 41 states sharing the same appeal to many. It boasts of being "half restaurant and half old country store." It specializes in nostalgic wares, old fashion cookery and many other unique items, along with the great food. Cracker Barrel is a "home away from home" on the highway, serving over 100,000 breakfasts per day.
There is another home away from home far more appealing and enjoyable. It boasts as well of great service, a great atmosphere, and great company. It is described as the "better country" (Hebrews 11:16) still awaiting many of us as believers in Jesus Christ. He has been carefully and faithfully preparing it for all of his followers for over 2,000 years. (John 14:2) It is our hope and our comfort (Colossians 1:5).
I also enjoy the rockers on the porch of Cracker Barrel. My grandfather used to tell me if I could get to heaven by rocking, I would surely make it!
The truth, however, is that heaven cannot be experienced as a result of anything you or I do (John 14:6). It is a provision for all of the redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is an act of His grace. There is no place like home. And there is no promise like the one that awaits us in our home away from home.
Have you made plans to stop there and experience it as you conclude your journey on the highway of this life?
I hope to see you there later!