Homesickness for Heaven: Finding the 'There' While We're Still Here

There are moments, especially when the Spirit is strong, when a feeling washes over you that is almost too big to contain. It’s a longing, isn't it? A deep, profound ache that settles right in your chest—a homesickness for a place you haven't physically reached yet, but know with absolute certainty that you are going to.

I remember one of my early mission discussions. We were talking about the Savior, and a companion shared this feeling, describing it as being 'homesick for heaven.' It struck me because it resonated with the very core of what it means to be a disciple. We are perpetually pilgrims, aren't we? We are on the journey, but our ultimate destination is the Father’s presence.

This feeling—this yearning—isn't a distraction from the work; it *is* the work, in a way. It’s the Spirit gently pointing us forward, reminding us of the covenant promises we’ve made and the eternal destination we are striving toward. It’s the echo of the promise that we will one day see the Savior face to face.

Keeping the Focus on the Work While Longing for Home

It’s easy, especially when the feeling is so intense, to let that yearning become a kind of spiritual distraction—like staring too long at the finish line so much that you forget to run the next lap. But our calling, as disciples and as internet missionaries, is to keep our eyes fixed on the *here* while our hearts are fixed on the *there*.

How do we channel that powerful longing? We channel it into action. We channel it into preparation. We channel it into service.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Translating Longing into Testimony

When you feel that ache—that beautiful, powerful homesickness for the Savior—don't bottle it up or just let it wash over you. Instead, try this: take that feeling and translate it into a specific, tangible testimony point. Don't just say, 'I miss heaven.' Instead, articulate *why* you miss it. Is it the feeling of unconditional love? The feeling of peace? The feeling of knowing you are safe? Pinpoint that feeling, and then connect it to a doctrine or a covenant. That turns a beautiful emotion into a powerful teaching tool.

If you’re in the thick of missionary preparation, use this technique during your study time. If you’re a returned missionary, use it when you’re preparing to teach a new member about the Plan of Salvation. It makes the intangible feel real and teachable.

The Power of Community and Study

This is where the Rogue Disciples shine. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. The Spirit often guides us into community—into the Book Club, into the Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces, or even into a deep dive on the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. These are the places where we process these big feelings together, where we hold each other accountable to the covenant path.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of this longing lately, I invite you to join a study. Whether it’s diving into the Book of Mormon or just sharing insights on a specific scripture passage, connecting with others who understand the weight and the joy of this anticipation is vital.

Your Next Step

Let's keep building our testimonies together. If you're ready to deepen your understanding of how to articulate these divine feelings in your interactions, I highly recommend revisiting the foundational principles in the Iron Rod. Specifically, look into chapters discussing the nature of the Atonement—it’s the bedrock of that hope!

And if you haven't already, join us this week for our weekly Disciple Challenge! It’s a low-stakes, high-Spirit way to practice sharing your testimony in a way that feels natural, like a conversation with a friend, not a performance for a class. Let’s keep the momentum going!