The Front Porch


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
June 10, 2008

Photography by Elizabeth Brown

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16: 11 NIV

The word “porch” comes from the Latin word porticus. It also comes from the Greek word portico. The origins of the first porches date back to prehistoric times and as architecture has evolved, so has the significance of the front porch. As cultures and lifestyles changed, people found they had more free time at the end of the day than ever before. They migrated outdoors to enjoy the cool breezes of summer, to watch children play in the yard and perhaps visit with nearby neighbors. The front porch served as a transition between the indoors and outdoors. Evenings on the front porch provided relaxation over lemonade and pie, singing, story telling and perhaps some advice was dispensed too, if asked for. Wicker chairs, rockers and porch swings were all part of the items found on the front porch. The comfort and sense of community can still be found today while porch sitting, enjoying family and friends.

Even if some of us don’t have a front porch, we can still capture those special times of family where there is sharing, talking and listening. My children seemed to talk most when we were in the car driving. My husband and I always enjoyed a pot of coffee together on Saturday mornings. It is about carving out time in our schedule to connect with each other. It is like that with God, too. Imagine that He is waiting for us on the porch. He has wisdom and love to give us. He just wants to be with us and He wants us to want to be with Him. We wouldn’t ignore our children or spouse day after day and we shouldn’t ignore Him. Having a relationship with God is more than giving Him an hour a week on Sunday. It is about feeling His Presence in all we do. Connecting with God is at the core of building a firm foundation in our spirituality. Our Father has much to give us, if we give Him the time.