Sanctuary

What beautiful weather today!  What I like about having these little thoughts to share after my walk is that it keeps me accountable in walking and it makes me more observant, as was the case today.

For over six years I have lived downtown and shopped for groceries at Marsh, now Needler’s.  Every time I exit the store, I see the holy St. Mary’s church across the street.  I’ve walked past it often and even gone to their festival.

  Never, before today, have I seen a path that has a small sign directing people to “Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Prayer Garden”. Today I followed it and entered.  It’s a beautiful sanctuary in the middle of the city.  I sat and prayed and enjoyed the peacefulness of the fountain.

We all need a sanctuary.  Where is your sanctuary?  At this time, that place is most likely in our homes. Take a few moments, if you haven’t already done so, and set apart a quiet corner just for your time with God.  In that special area of your home, place a candle, your Bible, a journal or some paper, colored pencils or a pen, and a cross if you have one.  Go there.  Be still.  Be intentional.  Ask God to help you keep this sacred time. 

Think on the words of the song “Sanctuary”:

“Lord prepare me To be a sanctuary pure and holy tried and true.With thanksgiving I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.”

Here in our home sanctuary we will find hidden treasures in our Bible, just like I did with the St. Mary’s prayer garden. That prayer garden and the hidden treasures in our Bible bring us hope.