I choose to Remain

John 15:4

"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me.

Matthew 11:28 (The Message)

^28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

I was reading this morning before the day really started, grasping for some sanity on a day I know will be busy. As I was sitting there reading, I was struck with how much He desires to be part of our daily lives. The first thing that came to my mind as I was reading, was when we have company - especially pizza night. When we have friends over for a pizza night, it is a night filled with tons of laughter, kids running and playing, and adults just sitting and enjoying time for conversation amid the cloud of flour rising from the kitchen. Friends know that when they are at my house for pizza, they grab an apron and get in there, helping to make pizzas, create and customize for each person the pizza they want. It's fun! This is what God wants from me. He doesn't want me to sit him in the living room while I go on with my life, He wants to be in the "kitchen" with me, creating, encouraging, guiding and helping me to grow. If I put Him in the living room, I won't get to visit with him and live with Him. Rather, he would be a Guest not a friend. I just have to remember to not put him in the corner in a stuffy chair, rather let Him into the Kitchen of my life and share in the "fun."