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Lean In

Jasmine and I have a morning ritual.  Jazzy girl is my faithful consistent German Shepherd who greets me every morning around 5:30 or 5:45 AM at the latest, with mild yelps of "time to get up and take me for my walk!"  At times I try to subdue her with constant hand strokes of love upon her face, but if they appease, it only is for a few minutes.  More likely, I ease out of bed, begin to brew the coffee and take a bit more time to wake up on my couch, with a blackberry candle lit and my journal in hand.  Jasmine paces and pauses at my feet, eagerly awaiting the time for her leash to flip on and the back door to open for our morning walk.

After arriving back to our yard, Jazzy stretches out on the patio deck and I join her with my legs embracing her.  She responds by nuzzling her bear like head and neck into my chest, as I pet her with nice long strokes along her back.  The more I do that, the more she leans in, and I tell her again, that she is the most loved dog.

Leaning in . . . is to get closer to one another, to enjoy the presence of those who love us.  I like to think that is how I am to love others and how God loves me.  Leaning in is trusting that the one you lean upon has got you and won't let you slip.  Leaning in is just enjoying the moment, taking it all in, appreciating what you cannot see nor explain.  You just know, at least with me and Jasmine, this incredible animal has so much trust, it feels safe to be as close to me as possible . . . she's all in.

I think that God wants me to lean in on Him.  I think He delights when I pause and rest in His presence.  I don't have to say a word, in fact, He probably delights more in my silence before Him.  He already has heard my every prayer, He knows my thoughts, my fears, my hopes.  I don't have to have any pretense when I come before Him, I can just be me.  I can just lean in . . . 


    

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