How to Remain in Christ: Stay

How to Remain in Christ: Stay

The memory is still fresh.  I sat at my dressing table preparing a variety of cosmetic bags with blushes, glosses, powders, and potions, our youngest son, one of two “vandals” that rule my home, inquired, “Mommy, are you going bye-bye?”

“Yes,” I explained, “I am going to California for a conference, sweetie.”

A pout drew across his cherub cheeks.  “Mommy, stay.”

Stay.

As if a command by a trainer to a puppy… I wished I could comply.  Although the thought was fleeting – I was looking forward to the Conference – and yet, I want to be available to all my children at all times.

Granted he’ll be fine.

Still… I wish every so often, it was a reasonable command.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Still, I wish every so often, it was a reasonable command. #stay” quote=”Still, I wish every so often, it was a reasonable command. #stay”]

The word has a haunting echo as of late.  Our oldest son, John… similar to what I felt when John left for Marine Bootcamp.  As I hugged him that last time before he boarded that bus my bones screamed, “Stay.”

Stay.

The memory of each passing tick of the foster care clock, as our youngest love transitions home to her birthmother’s arms.  As I breathe in her angel baby smells my breaking heart cries, “Stay.”

And I recall, there among the giant pines, dogwoods, and ferns -miles from home, I wrote stories and edited more edits and learned new tricks of my trade, I longed to go home… and I longed to “Stay.”

I remember, I sent a text home to inquire, “Have the vandals had a bath?” And the text that returned with the answer,  made me laugh and cry… soon they will be too cool to romp naked in the yard, and a part of me can’t help but hope they will be little much longer…

“Stay.”

Just stay with me.

Stay in my arms.

Please stay little.

No matter what, stay free.

Please, stay.

On that day, with a lump in my throat and an ache in my soul, I wandered the trail to my cabin and caught a glimpse of a sign in the gift shop window… Remain in Me.  John 15:4

STAY.  

No matter.  There is no worry.  Still, no leaving.

Though the unknown often grips me, fear attempts to follow all the places I wander, amble or run… I choose to remain in Him.

There, in that magical place of peace, the usual mindscape of folly, worry, grief, and nonsense, had mystically transformed. This wonderland, where I am not capable of manifesting the phenomenal escape I feel, I choose to “Stay.”

Stay.

Granted, sometimes it takes a grander focus… a pressing in and deliberate mantra… Stay.  Stay.  Stay.

Still, the promise remains.

Stay.

Greater still, He remains…

May your floors be sticky and your calling ordained.  Love, Jami

Remain in Me as I also remain in you.  John 15:4

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