In his presence | 2

So, this weekend would have been Michael's 59th birthday. Even yesterday, I found myself still in disbelief that he was gone. I thought about "what if" we we're given one more day; what might I say or do? But there is nothing that I would want more from the man, than just to sit with him. -On the porch; at the table; in the yard; or like Dr. Seuss, "In a box with a fox".... haha.  You get the idea...

It doesn't matter where or how. I just wanted to be near him. He wouldn't need to talk or cook or do any particular thing. Truthfully, I think I could manage an afternoon of silence if it meant to be with him. My heart just longed to be in his presence.

As, I imagined what that might be like; I was stirred with the conviction about our own love for God- How many times do we just long for HIS presence? Aren't our thoughts of him usually filled with haste or hurry so that we can move on to the next thought. And aren't our prayers full of requests, repetition or regret? Sometimes so full of our own words that God can barely get one of his own in. Then we're off to the next thing.

I sat and tried to imagine what it must be like to just sit with God (or Jesus). But I don't really have to imagine. Sometimes when I am really seeking him, his presence floods me. Literally in tears. In fact, I couldn't speak if I even wanted to. It's hard to explain being so exposed; covered and uncovered all at the same time. When that happens, I realize that I don't have to speak because he knows the secrets of my heart and loves to be with me too anyway!

And every time that happens, I always think to myself, Gosh, I want to feel THIS and YOU every moment of everyday! The irony is that in those moments; when I am full of the Holy Spirit, I don't struggle with half of the things that I usually fill my prayers with... I don't yell at the kids and it's so easy to love everyone, and my heart is so glad to just be and to do and to go... whatever is needed. -Because my spirit understands or maybe remembers that it's not really about me.

If that is the case, then each day when we go to him; why don't we get up and say "Come here God and sit with me a while"? Why do we even bother with words and all of our crazy thoughts when something even better is available?

It's actually too early for me to try and answer that question but you know the NLT version of Romans 5:10 says that our FRIENDSHIP with God was restored by his death. Yes, friendship.

All of those deep, passionate emotions that you feel for your nearest and dearest are also available to and with God. And what if our attitudes and thoughts were just a gauge of our proximity to Him? You know, if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed and maybe you're a little too cranky, perhaps it's a queue to go get bathed in Glory. Asking, expecting, sitting and waiting UNTIL you are drenched in his presence. No words needed!

After all 1 John 1:7 says "If we walk [sit] in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another [with Him which fuels our fellowship with others], and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin."

I pray that we all learn to slow down enough to go to him and wait first for his presence.

        Love,
        Reggie

Photo Credit: When I was looking for pictures for the post, I came across this one from Theupsidedownworld. Oddly enough, she had a similar post. Check it out!