My neighbour’s elderly parents have just moved in to a granny flat. It used to be a storage shed, but has skilfully been turned into comfortable accommodation, with the installation of a bathroom, air-conditioning, and bedroom furniture. The whole arrangement seems very suitable, with meals shared in the main house, but with some built-in separation to provide room for personal space.

The Book holds out this wonder – that when a person becomes a Christian, all three persons of the Trinity move in. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” And other texts speak of the residency of the Holy Spirit. It’s a marvel and wonder that it should be so, and in accord with God’s big idea of wanting to live with his people, in proximity, and with intimacy, and for fellowship.

In terms of that residency, I doubt though that God has the granny flat idea in mind, but a more proximate model – namely to live in the heart and mind and soul, and to share each hour of each day. Not to cramp our living, but to enhance our life. Not to crowd our space, but to broaden our horizon. Not to spoil anything, but to expand and enliven and to fill our rooms with love and life. And therefore: “Dear God: Help me not even to think of putting you in a granny flat. Amen.”