Saturday, April 14, 2012 - Being There

"Search for the LORD and for His strength; 

seek His face always."

Psalm 105:4

     Like most engaged couples, Tom and I often envisioned our married life together before we married.  One of Tom's favorite pictures of us married was so basic that I almost missed the charm in it: we would be in the same room, maybe doing different things, but we would share the same air. He wanted me with him, even if my full attention wasn't on him.  
     I've grown to appreciate his vision more over the last 29 years we've been married.  Time apart has been necessary and I've enjoyed the opportunity to be selfish during those brief absences, but only because I knew we'd be together again soon.  Our quality moments have come from "just being together" no matter what we're doing.
    The Jesus Calling (Sarah Young) devotional for April 13th says, "When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are.  Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. The Joy of My Presence will shine on you, as you do everything for Me."
     God doesn't want our fake enthusiasm, but asks us to let joy erupt naturally in us as we focus on His presence during our day-to-day routines.  Consciously acknowledging God's presence moment-by-moment and each time we initiate a new task keeps our conversation with Him flowing, allowing Him to pour Himself into us.  

“I am the vine, you are the branches. 

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; 

for without Me you can do nothing."

John 15:5

"Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men,"  Colossians 3:23

Thank You, Lord, for being a God who wants to be acknowledged and invited, rather than entertained or placated.  We know You're with us and we invite You to flow through the core of the lives You've given us.  Thank You for Your presence on sunlit breezy days as well as under broken umbrellas. Thank You for celebrating each small victory with us and for consoling and comforting us in every  failure.  When we invite You to reign, You're with us in the spotlight and in the wings.  Thank You for the unbreakable, unshakeable covenant of love You've given us.  May we full acknowledge You're with us throughout this day and teach us to keep you in the front of our minds.

In the Name of Jesus, the Vine Who pours Yourself through us