“Being me has its privileges…”  

– Professor Albus Dumbledore

I spent my morning doing my most favorite thing in the world, just sitting in the presence of God.  Nothing else.  No noise, no Bible, nothing.  It was so peaceful that I didn’t want to get up and leave.  But, like everything else we truly enjoy, I couldn’t stay there forever.  Life called, and I had to get back to all the things waiting for me.

You may think it quite crazy for me to say that my favorite thing to do IN THE WHOLE WORLD, is to sit in the quiet.  But that is exactly what feeds my soul.  I can’t get enough of it.  I can’t really explain it, but when I am able to sit in complete silence, it is almost as if I am encapsulated in pure oxygen.  I can breathe deeply, my heart expands, my shoulders relax and I become as light as a feather.  That is true communion with my Eternal Father.

And this is my fortunate week.  My church each year produces several such venues for folks to come and spend some time in prayer.  Quiet Spaces is happening now, and because I work there, I have a key to the building.  I was able to let myself in before anyone else and have the place all to myself, what a gift; what a privilege.  My soul has been renewed.

Its crazy sounding I know, to think that having a key to a building is such a privilege.  But for me, it is the ultimate gift from God – the ability to feed my Spirit at any time I need it – in a place that ushers me into His gracious presence.  – Magnificent.

What about you, friends?  How does the life you are living allow you to connect with God?  What elements of your daily life allow grace to flow over you?  Or, here is an even better question.  Are you living a life that allows you to connect deeply with the Father?  Are you following His path for you, or have you created your own life that might leave little space for Him?

When we follow the path God has for us, it is almost certain that He will build in places and opportunities for us to commune with Him.  His greatest desire is to stay in constant contact with us.  And we can trust that He will take us, whatever the way He chooses, to a place that deepens our relationship with Him.

Now, we may not be able to sit in silence and pray all day (I wish!)  However, His presence will always be there, no matter what we are doing:  teaching children, making deals, treating patients, cooking dinner – whatever.

The key is to be where He leads us.  The key is to live the life He has for us – and we will always be satisfied and whole.  So, how about it?  Are you living the abundant and privileged life He has for you?  Or are you left still needing something to be complete?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for never giving up on me.  All the years that I chased my own dreams and my own plans – they still left me needing more.  But in Your grace, You have fulfilled me.  You lead me to peaceful streams. You pull away the mask and teach me to be the real me.  And, surprisingly, that is enough.  For when I find my true self, I find You.  Thank You for showering such peace into my life.

In the name of the Good Shepherd I pray,

Amen