What is Your Body Language Saying?

My 21 year old son is home from New York this week. He is attending school in Manhattan for comedy, acting and improv. He always has some great stories to share from the Big Apple…those folks tend to be a bit different than us country living Mid-Westerners.

He was telling me about a book he’s reading on body language. He explained how we in America like our “personal space” to which a gave a hearty “AMEN!”

He said that he had been “testing” some of the theories in this book while at LaGuardia airport. He observed people getting on the escalator, one steps on and the next person waits then steps on to leave one step between the two.

Perfect opportunity for my budding comedian. He steps on in order but then takes another step up, and then puts his foot on the other persons step. He said the response was just as the book said it would be, the person stiffens and leans as far away as possible.

Of course he finds great humor in this, while I shudder at the thought!

Along the same thought, I think we have all experienced the etiquette for boarding an elevator. When someone is on the left side, you step in to the right. The next person steps into the middle and we all follow suite keeping a courteous distance from those around us. All the while keeping a safe distance from the forbidden spot in front of the buttons that need to be pushed.

But, have you ever met a close talker? Or someone who will walk into an empty waiting room and sit right next to you? They are what my husband calls “space invaders.”
We in America like our space. When someone gets too close, we respond by turning away or stepping back.

The opposite is true however of relationships that are loving and dependant.
Children want to be close to their parents, couples want to hold hands and lean
on one another. Thank God for the healthy relationships that unite us and bring
us close to one another. Which brings me to the most important relationship we
have, the one between us and our God.

Where do you stand with that one? Do you step back when the Lord closes in on you? What is your body language with the God who created and loves you? Do you turn your shoulder or cross your legs in the opposite direction so to speak?

When He whispers to your heart, do you lean in to capture every word or back off afraid that it just might be too personal?

Sometimes He thunders His words, other times it’s a still small voice that we need to be paying very close attention to.

He wants us to come in close to Him so that He can speak to us and protect us.

Psalms 91:4
4 He will cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings
you will find refuge;
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
NIV

Look at the wording, ‘cover with His feathers’ and ‘under His wings.’ That’s some pretty close-intimate personal space we’re getting into there! That is how God wants it, that is where we are the safest, tucked under His wings.

Our refuge is not found in our independance, but we are protected when we press in close to Him and listen intently to His voice.

Personal space is fine with strangers, but make yourself right at home with the
Lord. Settle in tight! He loves it when you invade His space and then welcome His
love into your life.

Father, help those of us who through pain and fear have kept our distance from You. Heal the hurts that keep us from trusting You completely. Lord we invite you into our hearts and lives, and we choose to seek after the comfort that only You can bring.
Thank You for loving us so completely!
In Jesus Mighty Name we pray.