I had no idea he valued our time together. The hay and feed I brought our donkey Sam twice daily, seemed his only interest. When we returned to TN after a week away, Joel took over the feeding. After a few days, he mentioned Sam must be missing me because his behavior was out of sorts.
Joel suggested I join him for Sam’s evening feed, hanging back outside the gate to see if Sam would notice me. To my surprise, Sam bypassed Joel and the hay, went to the gate, and began his donkey meltdown, braying loudly as he reached his head toward me.
Sam missed me. Our relationship is more than showing up to provide him with meals. Grinning, I reached over the gate, scratched Sam between the ears, and exclaimed, “You do love me as well as the food!”
That moment, I thought, “How often does God miss me, wanting time together?” Sure, I read my Bible and journal most mornings, and that’s important in my relationship with Father God. However, intimate knowledge of friends happens with conversations, not just performing duties.
It’s easy to get into a rut in relationships with one another and God, when meaningful sharing gets neglected. Spending time with Sam outside of feeding showed me his affection. We probably miss a lot of warm fuzzies by ignoring this gift of fellowship we were created to enjoy frequently with God, friends, and family.
Check out this verse in Revelation 3:19-20 – “I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.”
Sam missed me. This revelation deepened my affection for him. Jesus stands knocking at the door of my heart every day, wanting time together. He’s knocking at the door of every human heart, wanting to share His greater love and wise counsel with people who are not indifferent to Him.
Sharing a meal with Jesus is supernatural, for sure. When I take the time to rest with Him, His presence is food filling me with His love. I’m given greater strength and compassion to move forward in responsibilities and relationships. What keeps you from opening the door to more of His loving presence?