I love my home. I love the way it smells. I love the way it looks. and I love how comfortable I feel in my home. The plush sofas, old but still comfy, are such a source of relaxation for me. Since I have been spending more time at home I have come to appreciate how much of a sanctuary it is. I think first and foremost, the reason for this is that God is welcomed in our home. His presence is felt. His word is spoken. Praises are sung to Him and an occassional dance of jubilation is danced in His honor. Prayers and conversation with Him are ongoing in our home placing Him first in the leadership of the home and asking His guidance on how to run it.
It is 2:05 a.m. Hubby is asleep on the sofa, History channel as his white noise that monotonely sways him to sleep is playing in the background. I am in my room under my big, comfy quilt listening to Family Radio. I hear an occassional car pass by in this solitary area of Brooklyn. I reminisce about the day and the wonderful church service and the beautiful fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
If you are at home now, look around you at all the things that make you comfortable, things the Lord has blessed you with. Perhaps the familiar aroma of home cooking is wafting in the air. Maybe it is the security of your parents being in the room right by yours or that favorite pillow or the familiarity of your surroundings. The baby in the crib or bassinette beside you, the spouse in prayer by your side. The sister who consoles you and is there whenever you need them. Drinking coffee or hot chocolate in your favorite mug while watching TV in your favorite pj's.
Life is stressful but home should not be. Try to make it so. It's possible for you to cross that threshold of your home and leave your cares behind. Make a commitment to leave the outside world outside and walk into your haven where the presence of the Lord as your refuge awaits.

Most times we rush through the doors and start off on the next thing on our "to do" list and we are flustered. We rush to work to rush home to rush to church or to an appointment, we even rush to getaway and relax. Rushing all the time, harried and at times a mess.

I've read The Bible and I have yet to find (maybe I'm wrong) anything that says when Jesus walked on this earth He walked with a "to do" list or rushed the sermon in the mount so that he can get to the next thing on His agenda. He was calm, relaxed basking in all that His father God is and sharing that with others. He didn't even rush when they told Him, his friend Lazarus had died. He walked with a security that God the Father would get Him through whatever he needed to get through. And that He would have another 24 hours to do the things He didn't get done today.

God wants this feeling for all of His children, that feeling of security, a reliability in a haven that He has set up for you on this earth until His return. God wants us to feel cozy and He wants us to lay our burdens down. He wants us to relax and be assured that His hand will lead our way if we hold on to it.

This is what I'd like for you to try. Upon returning home from your next work or school day look at the threshold of your home and say, "Thank you God, I am home. I am safe. I will relax and enjoy the blessings you have bestowed upon me and my home. I am going to spend some time with You , Father and forget about everything else because I know You didn't intend for me to live my life in such mental dissarray due to stress and not taking time to stop and smell the roses, speak to You and relax. Help me to relax."

'"My peace I give unto you
It's a peace that the world cannot give
It's a peace that the world cannot understand
Peace to love
Peace to live
My peace I give unto you"

Relax, sit back, take in your surroundings and find comfort in the Lord
ahhhh feels good doesn't it?
Thank you Jesus