Free for the taking

Two chairs are in clear view. They are empty. I know why they are there – conversation, exchanging stories, laughter, tears, sharing hearts. Many times my busyness can ensure I neglect taking a seat and entering into this place of conversation, however, it is free for the taking.

Jesus always had time for conversation. He sat with the woman at the well, with Mary and Martha, with the tax collector for dinner, with the disciples on the beach. He sat, they came.

The two chairs are always available. The question is, am I? Free will – I am free to choose to sit or to be consumed by the multitude of things that pull for my attention. The pull is hard to fight off sometimes.

I sit down in the chair today. Jesus is already there; he always is. There is something about being in his presence that makes me sigh, an exhalation of sorts, or maybe it’s a relief. In Jesus’ presence I can just be. I find being can be difficult, but in the chair, I can practice.

No words are exchanged. Words are not always necessary. Silence can be restorative. The thoughts that fill my head, I hand over to Jesus. I quiet my mind and listen. It’s the only way for peace.

Lord, this free will thing is both life-giving and life-eroding, my choice. Funny, how most things in life that are free are highly sought after. Why is choosing you so often dismissed?

I think I will spend more time in the chair.

“And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.” Luke 10:39