If you're ever in Indiana...

Today I was listening to Mitch McVicker's first album, and as I listened to the last song, "New Mexico," I felt very homesick for many special people in my life who I don't get to see anymore. I've been so blessed throughout my life to know some extraordinary people who have challenged me and helped me grow, who have prayed with me and pulled crazy stunts with me, who have been a source of strength and joy to me... and now we are separated by miles and borders all over the country and the world. And since the song expressed so well how I feel right now (but in a different corner of America), I wrote my own version tonight, for all the friends and family that I miss...


I've been thinking about you, and wishing we could sit together today.
We could share a pot of tea, listen to music, and hug for a full minute,
And we could look at pictures and tell stories of the times we shared.
I would ask if your hopes and dreams have been fulfilled since then,
And I would assure you with a smile that I am alright.

I'm living in a place that makes me feel quite small,
With corn and buildings that grow much taller than me,
And a sky that stretches from forever to eternity,
And sunsets that set the clouds on fire,
And rivers that meet and then flow north into fresh water.

But in the smallness of me,
I can see the greatness of God,
Declaring his love across the great expanse above,
Flowing his peace into the most desperate hearts and minds,
Covering his grace and mercy over all of us in Indiana.

I hear news of your wedding, your baby, your house, your job
And I know you hear of the exciting changes here, too,
And I wish you could be right here, doing life with me.
Just know that my door is open, the guest room is prepared
And you are so welcome here, if you're ever in Indiana.

As I sit at the "Crossroads of America,"
I get to welcome a few weary world travellers
And equip them with tools to help them in a strange new land,
And offer them some Living Water and Bread of Life,
And direct them to the Way - though narrow, it's beautiful.

In the smallness of me,
I can see the greatness of God,
Declaring his love across the great expanse above,
Flowing his peace into the most desperate hearts and minds,
Covering his grace and mercy over all of us in Indiana.

~C.L. Chandler