Porch Sits.

In the winter time I have a strong belief that God especially hangs out in coffee shops. Obviously he's everywhere all the time, but I think that he is extremely present in certain places, like coffee shops in the winter. In the summer though I think its on front porches that he has a special love for. I learned that "porch sits" as they're endearing referred to are something that is very country. You literally just sit on the porch. All day. And I love it. In fact the only thing that would make my sweet Magnolia better is if we had a front porch that I could sit on all day long.

Porches are awesome for sitting, but they're even better for talking. Post up in a rocking chair next to someone on a front porch and just go to town. Gab the day away. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn about life, about Jesus, about the person sitting next to, it's awesome. There's just something about a beautiful day on a back country road that makes people want to open up, to be real, to be vulnerable and to share about life. I don't really know what about a beautiful on a porch of a house on a back country road makes that happen, but that's what makes me think that Jesus really likes porch sits.

I've been reading through John 15 lately and wrestling with what it really looks like to abide in the Lord. To spend time with him with out expectation. To just be in a moment with him and quietly enjoy his presence. What does that look like? How do I actually make that happen? Porch sits.

How cool would it be to spend a day sitting in a rocking chair next to Jesus? It would literally be the best. I think what makes me so excited about that image is that its casual. When you hang out with someone on their front porch you don't have expectation of where the conversation will go, you don't meticulously plan out every word you say so that it's the most formal sounding. You just talk. There are often lulls in conversation as you enjoy the beauty of the day and the company of the person you are with. Everything so opposite of how I've thought spending time with God looked like. So opposite of the formulas and agendas I always feel myself falling into.

So let's say goodbye to our expectations, our Jesus checklists, our comparisons to others, and just porch sit with Jesus. Sit down with him and simply enjoy his company. Throw our cares out the window and spend simple but meaningful time with the man who overcame death for us.