Someone declared this past Labor Day, “Empty Chair Day”, in honor of Clint Eastwood’s speech at the Republican National Convention. He brought an empty chair on stage and proceeded to talk to an imaginary President Obama. Republicans loved the bit; Democrats, well, they may be less inclined to see Eastwood’s movies now.
As I rolled out of bed much later than usual that Labor Day, I began to run down in mind the “to do” list for my day off. I began by going to the washer to restart the laundry I hadn’t finish Sunday. Then I told my son I would need the computer soon to start my class work. “Oh, yea,” I thought, “I really need to brush my teeth.” Then I saw it! The empty chair! I finished brushing my teeth, got my morning beverage, and occupied the empty chair.
The chair is not any ordinary chair, although, by looking at it you would never know. At times, it is the least used chair in the house, no one else but me sits in it. There is no computer there, no TV, no distractions. I try to occupy it for a short time every morning and then a longer time on Sabbath. However, even though it is available anytime, I occupy it far too little.
The purpose of this chair is to provide a place far from life’s distractions, to read, meditate, study, and pray. I meet with my non-partisen Friend every time I sit there. However, my Friend is not imaginary, and if He wants to sit, He will bring His own chair to occupy. While I should have occupied this chair more in the past, I feel that with all that is happening in my life now, I must not let that chair go empty for long.
May I suggest that you get your own special empty chair to occupy and meet with your true Friend each morning, on Sabbath/Sunday, and any other time you are in need.
Jesus said: "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace." (Matthew 6:6 The Message Paraphrased Bible)
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