My Homecoming Dream

Posted December 1st, 2007 by Jen in family life, religion

In my dream, I was walking down the familiar dirt road with my sister. We’re not twins, but being just 13 months apart, we were often mistaken for such. Nearly always together as children, it was natural to have her beside me in my sleep. Even in my dream, I tensed, knowing that every other dream that began this way ended in terror.

But she and I continued down the road, toward our childhood home. I understood the place would be different before the house came into sight. It’s that uncanny way that even in a dream, you bear some kind of consciousness. I knew we were returning after a long absence. We turned into the drive, two little sisters, poor waifs, unkempt. I expected the house to be different, but wasn’t prepared for what seemed to be a mirage, an oasis, a mansion in the desert. It was beautiful. Gone was the shack with the corrugated iron walls and dirt floor, gone were the tumbleweeds and cactus, gone was the shame. In their place was a strong fortress of a home and something definitely good.

As we approached, I saw an old couple at the door, who warmly and lovingly welcomed us. “We’ve been expecting you, and your other sister has just arrived ahead of you.” I looked, and there was my older sister, already entering this enchanting place, at her husband’s side. I saw her as I remembered her from childhood, full of spirit and life.

My attention was drawn to the door. So big, made of such fine wood, that I stopped to admire it. My other sisters must have gone on to their destinies, because suddenly I was by myself. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of my surroundings. I truly hadn’t expected this. Was the warmth coming from the fireplace? Or perhaps the floor? I fell to my knees, again noticing the grain of the wood in the floor planks. Such remarkable wood, the most extraordinary quality. Sobbing, I think I was overcome with redemption.

Later, I was outside at the back of the house, enjoying the view of the lovely green grass. I had always wanted grass as a child.

I dreamt this dream last night. All of the hundreds of other dreams I’ve had about my childhood were meant to torment me. But, God is merciful. There was no fear, only love and beauty. A little girl’s nightly prayer of “God, please don’t let me have nightmares” was finally answered. I don’t understand the timing or the reason, but I gratefully receive.

11 Responses

  1. Jane December 2nd, 2007 at 9:18 am

    Your new header is beautiful, Jennifer. What a lovely dream you described. Do you often suffer from nightmares. I had many nightmares as a child and know that i look back, I think it was spiritual warfare at times as I was usually not even fully asleep yet. That is a whole ‘nother story though. Glad God sent you this dream.

  2. A. R. December 2nd, 2007 at 9:56 pm

    I am so enchanted by your dream! It’s sounds so wonderful and peaceful. Just wanted to give you a laugh today so here goes..Remember on the way to my house you were telling L. about how your friends were going to “steal” me for babysitting? And how poor L didn’t understand it at first? Well, you can let him know that I have been officially stolen! hehe, I’m booked for two weekends in a row with them! I’d love to meet your niece sometime, so if she ever wants a babysitting partner, let me know! :)

  3. mrs darling December 3rd, 2007 at 9:04 am

    Amazing dream. Maybe now you can find some sort of peace when you look back at your childhood.

  4. e-Mom December 3rd, 2007 at 12:25 pm

    Having read your two posts back-to-back (this and the one above) I’m wondering if they’re related. Could your dream have something to do with your niece’s arrival? And the fact that she’s your sister’s daughter? Meanings of dreams are difficult to tease out, and only the dreamer knows for sure. You do seem at peace now in adulthood. Blessings!

  5. Jen December 3rd, 2007 at 11:46 pm

    Jane, yes, I had nightmares all the time as a child. There can definitely be a spiritual warfare aspect. I don’t fully understand what I was dealing with, but I am someone who is prone to dreaming. :-) I think a lot of factors converging - I lived in an unstable home with poverty and neglect, isolated, in Apache land no less! This dream was an amazing gift from God.

    A.R., I knew it! My friend up the hill from you called to get your phone number and I knew it was all over! I’ll call and try to find a time for you to come out…

    Mrs. Darling, I am making huge strides!

    e-Mom, my husband offered a few ideas for me about my dream. By the way, women, be sure to add to your list of requirements for a potential husband “must be able to interpret all my crazy dreams.” He saw it partly as a picture of Heaven, as in “I go to prepare a place for you,” and “in my Father’s house are many mansions.” And partly in an earthly way, a parallel with our current house project. We are building a home I *never* would have imagined being my own, coming from such deep poverty. My own take was that this dream also represented a new level of healing and redemption in my life. God has always provided, through his Holy Spirit, unique ways of healing me - always Him alone, so I know the source.

  6. e-Mom December 4th, 2007 at 12:58 am

    I think your husband may have nailed it! (Yes, dream interpretation, a requirement of a Godly husband!!!)

    Gosh, I didn’t realize your background was as deprived as you’ve described it. I’m quite surprised. This dream does seem to have connections to the house you’re building, which *would* be miraculous! I’m touched that God would speak to you this way. I’ve received healing “prophetic” dreams in the past, but not lately. He’s is so tender with us, his children. :~D

  7. PJ December 4th, 2007 at 7:36 pm

    What a wonderful story of a dream — and the healing it brings. My childhood dreams are slowly getting better — but never one as beautiful as this. Thanks for sharing.

    Blessings!

  8. Grace December 5th, 2007 at 2:52 am

    Glad you had a great dream. My dreams lately are very disturbing. Great story, I can visualize it vividly in my head.

  9. Jen December 5th, 2007 at 7:43 pm

    e-Mom, well, my background was certainly deprived, but my future is abundant as a believer in Christ. :-) Honestly, it’s a subject that rarely comes up, but this dream was so striking I had to write it down, and once I wrote it down, I just had to share it! Most who know me, even close friends, aren’t aware of where I’ve come from. Not that it’s something I hide, I just will only bring it up if I feel it’s appropriate and helpful to someone else’s need.

    PJ, I hope your dreams continue to get brighter!

    Grace, reading your recent post about Pristine’s emergency visit to the hospital, it’s no wonder your dreams are disturbing of late. Peace to you, sister!

  10. Heather Jones December 29th, 2007 at 1:53 pm

    I hope my own memories of that dirt road and that ominous turn into the driveway can turn into this dream. I think you are remembering me and N. because we spent the most time there together. I don’t talk about it much either, even with those closest to me. Thank you for a brilliant picture to replace the old shadow.

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    […] had another striking dream last night. It was a very short segment. I seemed to be in a vineyard, watching. I saw in front of […]

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