Homesickness for Heaven: Finding the 'Home' of the Spirit

There are times when the feeling washes over you—a profound, deep ache in the chest that whispers of a place you’ve always known, yet never seen. Some might call it paradise, the land of the living, but for those of us who have felt the pull of the Spirit, it feels more like a profound homesickness for heaven.

It’s a feeling that reminds us, doesn't it? That no matter how beautiful the current chapter of our lives are—the blessings, the temple visits, the moments of peace—there is always a deeper, more eternal calling. It’s the longing to walk with the prophets, to stand in the presence of the Savior, and to finally feel that divine homecoming.

If you’ve ever felt that ache, that yearning for the *real* destination, know that you are not alone. That feeling is the Spirit guiding you, pointing you back to the core of the work. It’s the missionary heart stirring, even if you aren't currently in the field.

The Power of Longing: Turning Yearning into Action

When we feel homesick for heaven, the natural inclination can be to just *feel* it—to meditate on the feeling until it subsides. But the gospel isn't just about feeling; it's about *doing*. It’s about channeling that divine longing into tangible service. That homesickness isn't a distraction; it’s a divine compass pointing us back to our covenants.

Think about it in terms of the work. That longing is the Spirit whispering, "Go. Share this. Teach this." It’s the same feeling that drives a returned missionary to keep studying the scriptures, to mentor a new convert, or to spend extra time preparing for missionary discussions.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Naming the Feeling

One skill I’ve found incredibly helpful, especially when I feel that intense longing, is learning to articulate it. Don't just let it be a vague ache. Try to name it: "I feel a deep longing to share the plan of salvation," or "I feel a powerful desire to help someone understand the Atonement." Naming it gives it structure, and structure allows us to act on it.

This is where the power of the HolyPlaces community really shines. If you have that feeling, don't bottle it up. Find a Book Club or join a Bible Study Group. Discussing these profound feelings with others who are striving to be Christlike helps anchor the feeling in doctrine and action.

Your Invitation to the Field (Wherever It Is)

Whether you are prepping for your first mission, or you’ve been out for years and are now finding yourself in a new phase of discipleship, remember that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. That homesickness? That’s your assignment.

If you're feeling the pull, I invite you to join us for our next Disciple Challenge! It’s a low-stakes, high-Spirit way to practice sharing the gospel with friends, family, or even just journaling your testimony. It’s a great way to keep the missionary momentum going between formal training.

If you’re looking to deepen your doctrinal understanding to fuel that longing, I highly recommend diving into the latest Iron Rod insights on the Plan of Salvation. It always brings that feeling of *coming home* into sharp focus.

Keep feeling that ache. It means the Spirit is at work. It means you are ready for more. Let’s keep building Zion, one inspired conversation at a time!