Time Out! Devotions

(devotional by Rebecca Ondov from OurPrayer.org)

Jesus answered and said to him, “. . . We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23 (NKJV)

I jogged to my car, dragging God with me as I zipped through my daily prayers. Bless Mom and Dad, I prayed, and down the list I went. Then my mind skipped to the errands I needed to run before my friend Autumn and her seven-year-old daughter Carissa arrived for a sleepover. God, I’ll catch some time with You this afternoon.

Afternoon melted into evening and before I knew it, Autumn and Carissa were knocking on my door. My golden retriever puppy Sunrise bounded after Carissa, who ran away squealing in delight. The two tumbled on the lawn until dinner, and afterward they were at it again. We popped corn; Carissa shared hers with Sunrise. When we snuggled into blankets and turned on Anne of Green Gables, Carissa wanted Sunrise next to her.

During a break in the movie, Carissa tugged on my pant leg, “Rebecca, where does Sunrise sleep?” she asked.

“In my walk-in closet.”

“Do you think I could sleep with her?”

Autumn nodded, so after the movie I laid pillows on the floor next to Sunrise’s bed and tucked Carissa into a sleeping bag. As I glanced over at my prayer chair, I remembered my broken promise. Oh, God, I never did get back to You!

I looked into the closet at Carissa snuggling next to Sunrise. God, that’s what I want to be—passionate about being with You. Please be with me everywhere I go.

Thank You, Lord, for the comfort of Your friendship.