My favorite places are cozy, comfortable, and inviting. my list generally includes coffee shops, bookstores and spas. But the reality is, I love any place the enables me to more clearly and fluidly hear the voice and heart of God.

Of course you can hear God anytime, anywhere, but when you’re in your happy place; an environment created to uplift and inspire you, you become much more receptive to the presence and activity of God. You perceive the world differently; with an open heart, an open mind, an open spirit.

So this evening, I took my family to one of those cozy places so I could draw closer to God. Curl up in his presence, rest quietly at His feet, wait eagerly for Him to speak to my heart.

Sometimes you have to remove yourself from the piles of laundry and dishes and the blessed messes of a beautiful young family to refresh your perspective; to again see the beauty that is there all the time. To steal away, if only for a few moments to pursue the King. To let Him know just how much your relationship means to you. To push away all of the noise and the clutter and just be by His side. To listen to and enjoy Him anew.

He’s speaking. Do whatever it takes to listen and hear His heart toward you. It’s worth it.