I wanted to chat a little bit about the portico. I have been asked many times since becoming the official youth leader if I wanted to change the name of this youth group. Nope. Often, I am an advocate for name changes when something new and fresh is on the horizon. But I am attached to this name. I just like. It's different. It means a LOT to me. The portico name came sometime around 2004. It has seen several leaders, volunteers, and students come and go. But all in all, the porch is still standing. I think I like the name so much because of the southern connotation it holds. When I think about North Carolina spring and summer seasons, I often have an image of sitting outside. On my grandmother's porch their are several chairs, hanging baskets, and a swing. It's an amazing porch. So often after a delicious family meal, we will all congregate out there for hours and just talk. It's good porch talk. I love it. I feel warm, relaxed, engaged, and loved. I love to sit on a porch and just swing. No matter how life is going, in those moments it is perfect. I imagine this is a true glimpse of what God desires from us when He says, "be still and know that I am God". I can't help but breathe in His beauty and creation when I am sitting on a porch.
The portico name is a reference to the porch or colonnade that existed in Solomon's temple. It was a place that everyone could hang out at and chat. It was an invitation to gather together just before entering the temple. The people had fellowship on the portico. It was a place to talk and a place to listen. As the weather turns warmer, you will find me outside a lot more. Just sitting in the grass or if I can find a good rocking chair for my new patio, I'll be rocking! I urge you to find your portico. Then invite God over for some porch talk. Let Him talk and you just listen.
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