A few weeks ago, my son left home.
It's actually the third time he has set out into the world to start a new life elsewhere. The first time, he was off to university. The second was a much needed respite from the pandemic's containment. His latest journey is taking him to the independence of a new job, and I'm enormously proud of him.
In these uncertain times, the rhythm of departure and return seems to be a common feature of young people's lives. As excited as I am for him, I'm feeling his latest leaving deeply. The last two times he moved on, I was in transition too. But my life is more settled now and my home is unusually quiet and empty.
Anyone who wanders understands the pattern of leaving and coming home. Even a short walk around the block begins from a doorstep we know we can cross again. But there's a deeper inquiry that opens up if we give ourselves wholly to the path: the search for home and belonging in ourselves.
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