When was the last time you simply sat with Jesus? No agenda, no devotional to read or even a real plan. You simply desired to just sit with and listen to and be with Jesus. Have you ever? I’m coming to understand that this is an important part of a life built on slow and purposeful living. I’ll be honest and say it’s not something I do very often, but feel convicted to do more. Just being with Jesus is like being with a good friend, the closeness, the bond, the peace and safety of the entire experience  bring a sense of closeness not often or always felt even after a “quiet time”. 

Don’t misunderstand me here. Having a daily time where you read God’s word, work through a devotional or study Scripture and pray are vitally important to a growing relationship with Jesus. But too often we miss the friendship aspect of our relationship. You know the one where you schedule an hour coffee date and then finally leave four hours later, or the friend you text and say I’m going for a walk want to come? Or the one who you call on a long drive just so that you have someone to chat with. That friend that will just sit and cry with you or just listen. Jesus wants that with each of us! He built us for relationships, including having one with Him! Why don’t we schedule coffee dates  with Jesus? Why is our go to person rarely Jesus? Godly human friendships are absolutely a gift and blessing from God and we should absolutely make and take time for them, but we can’t do so and exclude Jesus! 

This past week, even though it wasn’t purposeful I found myself in this place of just sitting with Jesus and drinking my coffee. I had tried reading and praying and yet I couldn’t get my mind to focus. Out of frustration I said “Ok Jesus, why don’t you talk and I’ll just sit here and listen”. So, I sat drinking a cup of coffee for a while just listening. Honestly I heard nothing for some time but something kept me right there in the quiet. I can’t tell you how much time passed but it was long enough for me to need a second cup of coffee. Eventually I opened my Bible and read in the book of Psalms. Again, I can’t even tell you where exactly, but what I can tell you is that I was blown away by God’s presence and wonder! Think about it – God, the One and Only God who created the universe actually knows your name! Not only that, He longs to spend time with you! So much so that He sent His only Son to this messed up world to make a way for us! The same God who made the mountains, oceans and bright sun – actually knows us, He made every part of us, down to the last detail! When you sit and ponder the awesomeness of His creation, how can you not shout for joy and be utterly amazed by our Jesus?!

Maybe I’m wrong but scheduling even an hour to sit and have coffee with Jesus seems like a great way to embrace the idea of living a slow and purposeful life. Why not give it a try?!