Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-13

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God….

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

It may be hard to imagine experiencing God at home. It is a place where the day-to-day, common parts of our life happen. It is where we eat, sleep, pay bills, watch tv, mow the yard, and wash clothes. But it is also a place where we enjoy the fellowship of friends and family, where we celebrate special events, and even gather together to get through tough times. If we acknowledge that God is with us at all times, then it only makes sense to recognize that God is with us through all those moments at home too.

The photo is my feet, right before I’m about to set off on a morning run through the neighborhood. I’ve never really liked running, but it has been one of the few forms of exercise that I’ve been able to keep as a regular practice. When running, my mind drifts from to-do lists, to conversations that are to come or have already happened, to work ideas, and to plans for that day; I also notice the beauty of God’s creation in the morning air and I feel my body push through the work of running. In all of this, there is a peace that God is present in all of this around me. That God is bigger than my lists, my immediate worries, my home, and my neighborhood… God is bigger than all and yet is present with me for all my concerns and celebrations. Thanks be to God.

Prayer

Holy God, thank You for always being with us. Thank You for the gift of today, for homes, for bodies that work, for families and friends who love us, and for the gift of Your love. Help us to share that love with others today and remind them that they are never alone. Amen.