Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself, but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me. John 15:4

Abide in me as I abide in you. John 15:4a, NRSVue

Who lives in you? Who makes a home in your deepest self, and who holds you in theirs? Cullen, Ted, Elisabeth, Elizabeth, Eun Joo, Jeanne, Diane, Heidi; Aleph, Barney, Magic, Taylor, Frank. My children, husband, parents, siblings. These are the ones who live in my heart – mentors and friends, beloved pets, and the ones who share my DNA and physical addresses.

What if we dare to let Jesus take up residence in our heart of hearts? What if we welcome God-With-Us into our souls as we would a best friend who stops by – without worry of judgement at our imperfections, and confident that we are loved as is?

What if we claim our home in Jesus, not as a vacation rental but as our permanent address?

If we dare, then every place we go, we are at home – and everyone we meet is family.