Just been reading Jen's thoughts on Sacred Spaces this morning. Go read it - it's worth it! (and if you're not a regular at her site, become one....). I have to say a big YES to her thoughts - that sometimes all you need is a sacred space to be quiet with God. She mentions old big cathedral-type spaces, and gardens.
I don't have an old big cathedral-type space to retreat to. The churches I know, the ones that will still let me in when they're unlocked, hold too many memories for me to feel a God-connection. Perhaps I need to find one where I'm not known.
But gardens, nature - that I have! And that's where I go when I need to be quiet with God. Granted, my garden isn't more than a few metres square, but it's surrounded by open spaces - the mountain overshadowing me with strength and quiet solidity, False Bay before me with endless blues stretching to the horizon. If I want a break from the neighbours peeking out their windows, there's a field above my house where the only sounds are eagles above and wind shushing through grass and pine below.
I've mentioned before how my soul craves silence, solitude, in my times with God. How the last time I was at church it just seemed so loud that I couldn't even find my soul to offer it to God. Instead I find myself seeking out the quiet, the natural, the God-touch of His creation in my worship and time with Him.
Although I can worship God anywhere, I have this sudden urge to create a sacred spot in my little garden, to place something in a secluded area that will turn my heart and thoughts to God - an "icon" if you will - and indicate a special space just for worship. The potential locations are pretty limited, but it's possible. I've hidden in the ferns before, I can do it again! :)
For our God-time this Sabbath, I'm going to work with my son on visualizing sacred space within our home, within our garden. On creating something that will speak to us of God, something we can place in a special spot among what God has created Himself, something that will help us focus our worship. I have no idea yet what it will look like, but we're going to try.
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