Featured Friend: Shelly @ Renewed Daily
Sharing My Space by Shelly Hendricks
@ Renewed Daily
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – (Psalm 27:8)
We’ve been blessed for years now with my husband having a work-from-home job. He has his desk set up as he likes it, and he logs in remotely for 8-10 hours a day. He’s very responsible and we are very blessed to have this opportunity.
For the first 4 years, we set up hubby’s office in our living room space. That way, we could be in the same room all day, visiting as he worked and enjoying just being together. We were definitely spoiled by those years.
For the last couple of years, we have lived with my parents. They are marvelous and it has been beneficial to all of us. One thing has been missing, though. There is not enough room in our living space to set up hubby’s office. Instead, his desk is in our bedroom.
He’s within shouting distance. He’s in the same house, for Pete’s sake. What more could I want?
I want my husband in the room. I want to make eye contact and see that sparkle as he starts to laugh. I want to hear him sigh, so I can know when he’s in need of prayer during a stressful day. I want to mute the TV so he can make a phone call. I want to keep him awake by making funny faces at him during those boring work meetings… the one where he’s on a conference call, and still with me. I want to steal chips off his plate while we have lunch together. I want him to walk by me each time he takes a break, and give me a kiss on the forehead. So convenient when I’m “on the way”, ya know?
This selfishness got me thinking the other day. I bet God’s just as jealous for my time. For yours.
Just being in the vicinity isn’t nearly enough. A few words exchanged a week doesn’t cut it. Even being in the very same house does not satisfy. No, it has to be the same room. It really does make a difference.
Do we have that same longing for our Savior?
Do you want him in the room? Do you want to make eye contact and see that sparkle as you share a joke? Do you want to hear Him sigh, so you can know when you’re in need of prayer during a stressful day? Do you want Him to share every boring moment? Every interesting interruption? Do you want to break bread with Him, a sweet communion in the middle of the day? Do you long to be in His path, to receive His sweet kiss and warm embrace each time He passes by?
Is there room for Him there, in the room where you spend your days? It would mean the world to Him if you made room for Him there. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll be spoiled by His presence.
Sharing space has never been so sweet. Don’t you think?
Sweet Jesus, won’t you please come in? Please crowd on in and make Yourself at home. We long for Your presence in the room. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Barbie: Thank you for introducing Shelly!
Shelly: I totally wanted to be a librarian when I was a kid! Thank you for your beautiful words. It’s something I definitely need to consider in the day to day. I spend time thinking on Him and what I know of Him so I can encourage my corner of the blogosphere, but do I truly make room for Him to talk to me each day?
Shelly, thank you for allowing me to share this beautiful post with my friends. You are such an encouragement and a blessing!
Hi, Elizabeth!!! Thank you for blessing my heart with your comment! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Barbie: Thank for sharing Shelly. It’s so fun to see her in this space.
Shelly: Thank you for your encouraging words. Oh, yes, I need to allow more space for Him. I let Him get crowded out too often. Wonderful, gentle reminder. <3
Hi, sweet Cathy!!! It’s a precious gift, isn’t it? I’m so glad to know you have that, too! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Awwh, my heart was blessed to see Shelly pop up on your page Barbie. She is one of my favorites too! Shelly this was a great article. So glad you have the blessing of your husband close by. I also have that blessing in getting to work close with my husband. I could relate to the lunches and talking to each other through the walls. Loved getting to know you are surrounded by such love!!
Shelly, what a wonderful piece! Thank you, for sharing and giving us “food-for-thought.” And, Barbie, thank you, for sharing Shelly. Cynthia
P.S. Hopping over to your blog!
Cynthia, it’s so lovely to meet you! Thank you for blessing me with your comment! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Barbie: Loved seeing Shelly here in your space.
Shelly: This is a good word. Thank you for nudging my spirit to think along these lines. Hugs
Lyli, you are so precious. To Him, and to me. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Oh, Shelly…I want Him here all the time! And you know what? He is! He never leaves our side. The problem is that we don’t always feel or see Him. But, even in those times, I can rest assured that He is here, because nothing, “no nothing can separate us from Christ’s love!” Love you, Joan
You are so right, Joan! It’s all about getting engaged with Him. He is always by our side. What a comforting thought! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Agreeing with Joanne’s comment. A wonderful analogy of the time He wants with us and are we making room for Him in our space. And I just adored that picture of you and your man. Made me smile big. Love you so much. <3
Aww, thanks Beth! It’s one of my favorite pics of us. We look old and happy. LOL
Love you so, sweet friend! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I loved reading more about you, Shelly! It is wonderful your husband is able to work from home & be with you. This was a beautiful analogy as to how we need to make space & time to spend with our Lord. May we not crowd Him out of our space. Have a wonderful day! Blessings!!
Joanne, thank you! The work at home opportunity came just weeks before I became very ill. It’s wonderful to look back and see how God was caring for us, providing what we weren’t even aware we needed yet. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3