Chiming in

Our office is designed with an outer office having a door to the hallway. Off of the outer office are three other offices, a copy room and conference room.

Whenever someone comes in, the door chimes. No one can sneak into our offices!

The three of us who work in the attached offices can't see the doorway to the hallway from our desks. If the administrative assistant who works in the outer office is not at her desk, then the other three of us have a habit of saying , "It's me" when we come in. It's a courtesy which allows the rest of us to not worry that someone has come in who needs help from us. (It's also bad grammar, but we'll ignore that.)

Today, as I went in and out, saying, "It's me," it occurred to me that our relationship with God is in some ways mirrored by this action.

• We all recognize each others' voices. I don't need to say, "It's Kim." I'm known enough by the other three in the office that they know who "me" is. God knows who "me" is.
• There is a moment of gladness when someone comes back in. We're welcome in the office. God, too, is glad when we come in.
• As I mentioned, no one can sneak into the office. We can't sneak into God's presence. Whether we announce ourselves or not, he knows where we are.
• The instinct when we hear the chime is to be available to help. God wants to help. He is available to all of us.

What reminds you of God? Where do you see him in the world? What chimes of his presence to you?

Image: Sunset through the window outside the restaurant in Wilmington.