First Load In

Most people are likely to have a favorite place; a place to have quiet time, a place to decompress, a place to be themselves. It is unlikely for most people that this place would be their laundry room.

For me, however, the laundry room is where I long to be. Being a mom of three small children, as you can imagine, I'm there quite often. But, I've learned to take advantage of that time in the late evening.

The kids are in bed, sleeping soundly. Hubby is doing his thing. I am downstairs, knee-deep in clothing stained with strawberry-applesauce and finger paint. I'm also knee-deep in my Heavenly Father's Word.

Since becoming a mom, my relationship with God has taken on a whole new atmosphere. It's like the light got a little brighter and I understood things better -- His love for me, His longing for me to spend time at His feet. He has met me where I am and spoken to me as I parent my children. I have been so humbled by and thankful for that.

For the past several months, I have sat in my basement, coffee cup in hand, communing with the Living God. Since our basement is unfinished, I can look around and see the inner workings of our home; the pipes, the wires, the beams and everything else I never even thought about.

The irony and beauty of my meeting place with God has not gone unnoticed. As I sit amidst the inner workings of my home, God is revealing things to me about the inner workings of my heart. The basement is laid bare, unfinished, as am I. This becomes more and more clear to me each time I meet with Him there.