“Turn left.”
“Continue straight.”
Even when I know the way to my destination perfectly well, I still find myself entering the address into the navigation system—just to hear its voice. I think it started after I installed a navigation system that offered Korean-language guidance.
Having lived abroad for nearly twenty years since leaving Korea, I no longer face much difficulty in daily life. But when I first settled here, waking up each morning to the unfamiliar language around me made my head ache all day. If a conversation drifted even slightly beyond my understanding, I would strain to keep up, forcing my brain to work faster. When that failed, I would simply “switch off” my mind and give up trying to comprehend.
As time passed, I thought I had overcome the barrier of language, only to face another wall—differences in thought and culture. By keeping my faith in God at the center and striving to understand and embrace others, I eventually found peace in interacting with people from different backgrounds.
Still, whenever I happened to hear Korean on the street or a Korean song playing in a mart, my steps would stop without my realizing it. Whether it was joy or excitement, just hearing Korean made my heart race. That’s when I understood why I would turn up the navigation volume even when I did not need to. My heart was responding to those short phrases in my native tongue—finding comfort in them. Perhaps I was soothing my homesickness with the happy illusion that I was driving in Korea.
Then I wondered: What kind of sound does Mother listen to in order to ease Her longing for our heavenly home—a longing far deeper than mine, perhaps thousands or even tens of thousands of times greater? In this world where nothing can truly comfort Her, what could bring Her solace? I think it might be the sound of Her children’s thankful praises and joyful laughter.
Whenever we gather in Zion to give thanks and praise to God, to share the Fragrance of Zion, and to smile and rejoice together, Mother surely smiles too. The sight of Her children living in harmony must bring Her comfort.
Today again, I resolve to speak words of gratitude, positivity, and encouragement—to build beautiful unity with my brothers and sisters. I earnestly pray that I may ease, even a little, Mother’s longing.