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Sanctuary

"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." Matthew 14:23 KJV

One week ago I left home frazzled. The increasing demands of work, and my commitment to ministry, had me running at top speed for several months. When I started my SUV to begin the eight hour drive to Ohio, my prayer was "Lord, please bless my time away." The Lord heard my prayer and answered in a way that was beyond my expectation--the way God always does.

Last year, one of my daughters had decided to "up-size" and bought an older home that had been designed by an engineer. The home includes a sunroom with a vaulted ceiling, skylights, and windows that give a panoramic view of the large back yard. I saw the sunroom when my daughter first moved in. What I saw when I arrived this time was a true transformation: the best word to describe the transformation is "sanctuary."

Everyday since I arrived I have spent time in the sunroom listening to the birds, watching the white squirrel (yes, white squirrel) forage for food, and absorbing the tranquility that God has put in the blues and whites of the sky, and the variant greens of trees and bushes. I have felt the frazzle melt away and a profound peace has been restored in my spirit.

Life has not "gone away" while I have been here. A cousin was brutally murdered and preparations for his burial are underway. I have had to "pop into" work twice to take care of some pressing things. My husband is holding things down back home while I am away and I am grateful for his sacrifice that allows me this time. 

Life will always bring challenges. God, through the example of his son Jesus, encourages us to step back, pray, and take some time alone to refresh.



Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 2, 2022 at 10:33 PM

    God believes in self care Even he rested on the seventh day. I love ❤️ you and am thankful everyday for you💕

    ReplyDelete

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