12/12/2025
Last December, I attended a women's conference where we focused on the theme of Identity—specifically, understanding who we are in Christ rather than defining ourselves by the man-made labels society gives us. One of the exercises really stood out to me: we were asked to picture our "meeting place" with Jesus. For some, it was a cozy chair; for others, it was a peaceful bench outside. I envisioned my kitchen bar, sitting on the barstools with a warm cup of coffee, chatting with Jesus.
Throughout the year, I revisited this exercise from time to time, but yesterday, as I walked through my house, I glanced at my "meeting place." It was tidy, and I felt an unexpected wave of calm. Usually, that particular spot becomes a catch-all for items that enter the house, and it can easily get cluttered. However, yesterday it was clean and inviting, and it made me stop in my tracks.
In that moment, I felt a heavy conviction: “I want you in the often messy and unclean seasons just as much as I want you in the clean and tidy ones.” I realized Jesus desires our presence—our whole selves—no matter the state of our surroundings. He wants us for who we truly are and seeks to replace our self-imposed labels with the identity He gives us.
This reflection prompted me to question whether I was being a good steward of our meeting space. Was I holding it to an unfair standard, thinking it had to be clean before I could engage with Him? Or, on the other hand, was I taking pride in its tidiness instead of focusing on the connection? This revelation laid bare how I treat this space, reminding me that it should serve as a sanctuary for Jesus and me, regardless of whether it's messy or clean.
Ultimately, God's concern lies with the state of our hearts, not the state of our homes. He values our openness and vulnerability above all.
Here are a few questions to help you reflect on your meeting place:
* What specific actions can I take to make my "meeting place" more inviting for my time with Jesus?
* How can I practice being open and vulnerable in my relationship with Him?
* Are there other areas of my life where I'm placing unfair expectations before seeking connection with God?