By now, most of you know that the reason I want to have a well-run and simplified home is so that I have more time to spend with Jesus and then go out and love my world. I said, Go out and love my world. And I've compartmentalized my life quite well this way.
You see, my home is my sanctuary. My place of peace and quiet rest. And while I haven't gone so far as to put out one of those silly "welcome" mats that reads, "Go Away!" that phrase definitely expresses what's in my heart.
I've been good at practicing the discipline of silence and solitude and then going out to serve, but then I come home and bolt the door. No company allowed! But shutting the door doesn't always work, and neither is it appropriate. So this morning God brought to mind that I need to be more open about opening my home.
In Mark 6, after a busy season of ministry, Jesus told his disciples, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile. So they left by boat... where they could be alone." But the people went ahead and were waiting on the other side. When Jesus saw them, He felt compassion on them. When the disciples saw them, they simply tolerated the people until dinnertime. Then they tried to send the people away.
This story made me stop and think: Am I more like Jesus? Desiring a rest and quiet time but being available when I see a greater need? Or, am I like the disciples, trying to figure out how to "send them away" before they inconvenience me or steal my quiet time. I don't need to think long and hard about that one. I've "roped off" my house for years lest anyone intrude on my place of quiet rest, but now? For Jesus' sake, I'm willing to put out the welcome mat.
oh goody! We're coming to visit!! :D
ReplyDeleteAh, good food for thought there! I tend to go through seasons...based on how I feel and what's going on. I think I should go more by the leading of the Spirit. Thanks for another great post! =]
ReplyDeleteFunny, we've been house-hunting and came upon a mat at the front of one house that said, "Leave". I didn't know if I was coming or going.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder that our home should always be open to what the Lord has in store for us.