My Worn, Comfy, Red Couch

In my house sits a red couch.  This couch was generously given to me by my parents when we moved in.  I love this couch, not just because it's red, but because within it's worn out cushions, memories hide. This couch was first positioned at my parents house. It was our seating for T.V. entertainment. It was also the last place I remember Logan sitting before his wreck, and where I was sitting when our world turned upside down the next morning. 

This couch started out in our first apartment- young love, first real furniture (super exciting), first real place. It traveled with us to our current residence, and since it's placement here, it has seen it's share of moments.  Every morning I sit in the left side corner of that couch, cozy up with a blanket, and with little attempt to break bad habits..a silly dog curled beside.  It is just the right spot to start waking up, to do devotions, and it is just the right height to kneel in prayer.It's the perfect spot for a nap, and in the evenings, to unwind with my husband.

God and I have had a lot of talks on that couch. I've written a lot of blogs, a lot of poems, and read a lot of devotionals/Bible verses. I've prayed a lot, rejoiced a lot, and definitely cried a lot. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there is a subtle impression of my face left in it's soft cushioning. God has held me on that couch, He's cried with me, and He's filled my heart to overflowing on that couch.

Sunday, our pastor spoke about the importance of altars- not just  a place of sacrifice, but a place of rememberance. Throughout the Old Testament, altars were built to remind the person or people of what God had done in their life at that particular place.  Countless passages talk about the importance of remembering.

Psalm 105:4-6

⁴ Look to the LORD and his strength;
   seek his face always.
 ⁵ Remember the wonders he has done,
   his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, ⁶ you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
   his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.



My worn, comfy, vibrant couch is my altar. It's my refuge, it's my reminder. A reminder of what I've been through, where I've come from, and how God is still working. I will be leaving my couch soon, just for a period, my sister-in-law will be taking it over.  But even though I am leaving, my memories of that couch remain.

Today I ask, what is your 'altar"? What in your life holds those precious God moments, and memories for you?  God designed us with a memory- for good and for bad, and it can be triggered by any number of things- a song, a place, a person, an item,..a couch.  I would encourage you to revisit that "thing" and take it all in. Be still and be reminded of what God has done in your life. Unless we take time to remember, we tend to forget, and those moments are ones we should treasure forever.  I bet you'll discover they're still there, much like a worn, comfy, oversized couch- just waiting to be snuggled in.

Love.