It's My Father's House
I often pray, out of habit really, like a bed time or meal time prayer that you robotically pray without much thought. "Lord, come and live in our hearts and our home. Dwell in this house. In Jesus name, Amen." It's just one of those things I have always done. Sometimes maybe as a reminder to my children and myself and sometimes as a declaration I suppose. I often wonder what it would look like and how I would know if He was here and would I know if and when He ever left.This particular week was a rough one. In fact I am sure everyone wanted to leave at some point! I am not sure what was going on. Too much Halloween candy eaten in secret? Perhaps the time change or athletic fatigue are to blame. Hormones?It was everything and nothing. You know those weeks. If I told the story it wouldn't sound too traumatic to you. But believe me it was. Everyone was at their worst including me and the superlatives were flying high!"Your are the worst.... ""I am never ever...... ""you never ever...... "Adam apparently has the "Worst Life Ever." andThe Teen is "Never, ever, ever, babysitting her brothers AAAAGGGAAIIINN!!!!!" "Like EVER!"And why can't anyone EVER tie their shoes, get in the car and go to church like a normal family? sighYou get the gist.This left me feeling, cranky, defeated and sad by Sunday morning so with all four kiddos safely tucked away in Sunday school, I grabbed coffee, took a deep breath and I prayed this prayer."Lord, come and live in our hearts and home, dwell in our house in Jesus Name."This time with conviction and a little desperation.As we all came together for the worship service, filing in an filling up the better half of a row, there was some playful elbowing and poking going on so I closed my eyes and began to worship the Lord through the music. There is something about worship music that permeates my soul and recharges my battery. I looked to my right and could see my girls link arms, each of them with a hand on Adam's shoulder as he stood in front of them. They were smiling and worshiping together arm in arm. Sometimes I forget that their batteries need recharging as well.The afternoon was another busy one that took me and my husband to opposite ends of Austin for sports. The night went quick; take out was in order. There we were, the six of us, together, eating and laughing, listening to the boys talk of touchdowns and teammates. Upon saying goodnight, the girls lingered in my room, ( oh how I love when they do!) talking of boys, and the funny doctor at the asthma clinic we visited today ( oh yes, all in a days work). we laughed until we cried and our faces and sides hurt and I am pretty sure someone snorted.There was no talk of our bad week. No grudges held.This is how I know He is here. And that He dwells in our hearts and home.
Psalm 116:1-2
I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers.
Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!