Nesting… I’ve found myself doing it again, but this
time I’m not having a baby. This time I’m watching my babies jump out of the
nest.
And so, I’ve been regrouping, trying to fill the void
by creating an atmosphere of order and peace… redecorating with vibrant colors
that invite laughter. When my family steps through our front door I want them
to feel joy, hope, love and peacefulness. How do I create that?
That question has consumed me these last couple months
as I’ve shopped resale stores, bought lots of house plants, and watched YouTube
videos on topics such as reupholstering furniture and spray painting metal.
I’ve actually laid awake at night mulling over and over deep questions such
as “Which afghan should I lay out on that couch?” Silly… I know.
But I had three adult children, one son-in-law and one
grandchild in the womb all jump out of this nest within five months. Suddenly
this noisy, messy, overcrowded nest feels a wee bit deserted.
I have strained to reclaim an atmosphere of family
here through all my redecorating efforts. However, that warm, cozy something
that I crave but can’t quite create, is waiting for me every day just beyond the door---- in the secret
place of the God who loves me.
“The eternal God is your
dwelling place…”Deut.
33:27 (ESV)
When I open my heart's door to the secret place of prayer,
Jesus greets me with arms wide open, an enormous grin and sparkling eyes that
are bursting with the affection I yearn for. I take a deep breath and realize…
I’m home!
Why do I sometimes search for home everywhere but
here?
When I become obsessed with building my earthly house,
I will remind myself that this is not my home. My home is the secret place, the
shelter of the Most High.
“Those who live in the
shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the
Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of
safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalm
91:1,2 (NLT)
