People who have met me later in this life may not recognize me as a type A personality. That’s because, over the years, I have learned, reluctantly and usually the hard way, how to rein myself in and give over control to others. I may appear calm on the outside while executing this task but inside, I am screaming! Type A personalities will understand this.
My best cure for this internal turmoil is a quiet walk in the woods, along a beach, some simple gardening, or watching a beautiful sunset. Or sunrise. Things like that. I can reset simply by observing the beauty of God’s handiwork, for I believe the creator is alive in all the creation. And, while I understand the value of ‘going to church’, I do not believe that God resides only in that space.
So, it may surprise some, even those who know me well, that one of my favorite places to find a little peace is a man-made one. It is not one I frequent often because it is not close to where I live. It is on the way to a destination I travel to once a year, or so. But when I make that trek, I am always drawn up the long drive that leads to the church.
It is situated on a hilltop. I’m sure most of the people who have been with me on these trips think I like to stop simply for a brief respite, to stretch, and take in the views. And that is partly true. There are beautiful views! But mostly, I go to see the church.
It is nothing spectacular from the outside. Just a sturdy-looking building made of stone with large wooden double doors. It looks like it could withstand any storm. It looks like it could withstand a siege. No delicate filigree here. But once you step inside…
There is a hush that is immediately calming. Everywhere, the beautiful stained-glass windows sparkle with stories from the Bible. The pipe organ could probably raise the roof but today it is silent. Iconography is everywhere. It is a Catholic church. I am not Catholic, but I can feel the calming, engulfing, accepting presence of something greater than myself everywhere in this space. I do not believe God makes the same distinctions as we mere mortals do.
Sometimes, when I visit, the place is completely empty. Other times, there might be someone seated on the pew, or kneeling, head bowed in silent prayer or quiet contemplation. We each find our own way of communicating with our Creator.
I know that every time I visit this quiet oasis in a desert of noise and turmoil, I find some peace. I feel restored. I hope you have a place where you can let go of all the cares we humans heap upon ourselves. We all need a respite from time to time. A place to go to recharge and just to ‘be’. This is one of mine.
If you want to share, I’d love to hear about your ways of recharging.
I think I know that place.