When the days warm up, I like to sit out on our front porch and listen to the songs of the birds outside. It is a small, enclosed porch and it still has the original windows with screens on some of them so that I can slide them open and feel the breezes. As I relax, I often feel the presence of the Lord, and I can imagine what it would be like to have Him sitting nearby.
It is easier to forget about the tasks I need to do, such as laundry, dishes or cleaning, because I am removed from them as I sit on the porch, and it becomes a refuge. I am encouraged to rest in Christ, as if leaning against Him, and hearing His heart beat. It is a wonderful place to have my Quiet Time with Him, reading His word and pouring my heart out to Him.
The porch is also a pleasant place to sit with friends and share a cup of tea or glasses of lemonade and iced tea, and to get caught up on what is going on in our lives. It is a favorite place for our grandchildren as they bring out toys to play with and as they stand at the screen door to watch the happenings of our neighborhood. In warm weather, there are several pots of flowers and herbs growing on the porch; their scents fill the space and their textures call out to be touched.
Porches have a way of saying "Come and sit a spell," causing us to relax and reflect. I look forward to the warm days when the front door is open to the porch announcing the coming of Spring!
The eternal God is your refuge,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deuteronomy 33:27
(all photos from personal files, Country Living, BHG, or public domain)
