Sacred Spaces

An empty sanctuary filled with sunlight color from stained glass windows.  A wind-swept outlook in the midst of the Painted Desert.  A dark museum space holding a single glasswork statue of Jesus’s crucifixion.  My childhood bedroom.  My favorite recliner nestled in the corner of my home office.  A single candle illuminating a darkened room.  What might each of these have in common?  Each of these, in different seasons of my life, have been sacred spaces for me.  Special spaces where I have felt safe enough to breath in the very presence of God, knowing that my tears and my questions will be met with compassion and understanding.  In these spaces I have also experienced God’s great delight as He too has been set free to reveal more of Himself as He truly is.

The word “sacred” means to be set apart for spiritual purposes.  Unfortunately, in our multi-tasking society, it has become more difficult to step away from the noise and embrace stillness and solitude.  But we are not the only ones who have had this challenge.  Jesus also had to make the choice to seek out such spaces – the temple, a river where his cousin baptized him, the bottom of a boat in a storm, an upper room, then a vineyard and a garden.  In these spaces He intentionally distanced Himself or included Himself in community in such a way that He too could hear the voice of His Father and know the He was loved.  This kind of communion, of deep connection with God does not happen by accident.  Neither does it happen without both parties taking some initiative to develop the relationship in such a way that the very space itself becomes holy too.

In one of my favorite allegories, Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurdnard, the main character, Much Afraid, intentionally meets with the Great Shephard to review the events of the day and dream together about the High Places.  In her trysting place, she shares her desires for her lame feet to be made whole and to be able to leap on the mountains like the deer.  It is here that the Great Shephard invites her to join Him for the journey to the High Places.  But in order for her to make the journey, she must attend to His call – a song He will sing when the time is right.  Unfortunately, when He sings His song, she is overcome by her family of Fearings and almost misses the opportunity.  But it is there, in her trysting place, that she finds Him yet again, waiting for her.  This call to “Arise my love, my fair one, and come away” (Song of Songs 2:10) is not reserved for just a few.  In fact, His call comes often to those who are willing to slow down and listen for it.

And so, my dear friend, slow down.  Take a deep breath.  Quiet your heart.  What are some of your sacred spaces? Is there a deep longing to go to that special, sacred space that only you and He know?  If so, it just might be a Divine Invitation.