June 26 devotion

By Rev. Steven Horelica, Assistant to Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson of the Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas, TX

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:2

Many evenings after work I go to my sacred place, a place where I can feel the presence of God all around. For some people, sacred space might be a church or a chapel. For others, it is a sandbar on a creek or a place deep in a forest.

Recently, I encountered a new visitor to my sacred place. Even though we are from two different ways of living, I think we go there for many of the same reasons.

I go to escape the hustle and bustle of life. I suspect he does also. I go there to feel safe and peaceful. I'm sure he does too. I go there for the healthy organic food. Watching him eat, I know he does as well. Although we don't speak to each other, I think we actually are in this place for a more important reason: a connection. A connection not just with each other, but also with Creation and the Creator.

Watching him time after time, I find myself somewhat jealous of him. Because of how he lives, I think he is more "in tune" with creation than I will ever be because of how I live. He seems to move at a slower pace and really enjoy his time there. Although I love being in this place, I often allow my mind to be distracted by all I have to do or get done once I leave. I watch him as he lays perfectly still in the sun just "being present." I almost always leave before he does so that I can get on with my busy life. I look forward to the days when my schedule allows me to go back there. I always hope he is there as well; he is a good model for me.

 

Sacred places can disconnect us from the world, at least for a while, and connect us with the One who created it all. It is a place where you feel the presence of God in such a way that often can't be explained.

What have been those sacred spaces in your life? What is yours now? If you don't have a place where you go to meet with God, I encourage you to find one.

This evening I hope to spend some time again in that sacred space, my garden. I hope my new friend, the cottontail rabbit, is there again as well. I know that God "waits" there for us both.

Loving God, thank you for the sacred places in our lives. Amen.