Sacred Places

I think just about anybody have places in their lives that are special. So special that they become sacred. My family visited Yellowstone earlier this month, a place revered by Native Americans for centuries. It's not hard to figure out why . . . it is an incredibly unique and beautiful place.

Jesus seemed to like hanging around the sea. A lot of his life and ministry occurred around the Sea of Galilee. Living in Texas, I've had a chance to walk the shores of the Gulf of Mexico on many occasions. I get why Jesus liked the sea. The sound of waves . . . the constant breeze . . . there is something about it I have found relaxing and soothing. Maybe the same things helped Jesus keep his head together and his spirit refreshed.



One sacred place for me, perhaps the most sacred, is my parents home in Minnesota. My parents built this house in 1970 and I lived in it for 12 years. It's on a large lot with a canal bordering the west side, a pond and marsh to the north, and woods to the east and south. My mother is a Master Gardener, so the place is landscaped beautifully. The picture above is from the yard looking north toward the pond. A day doesn't go by without deer, rabbits, wild turkey or a snapping turtle coming into the yard. It's a very peaceful place, full of life.

I've been spending most of my sabbatical here--working in the yard, reading on the back deck, thinking and praying. God has been very present for me here. My parents have been gracious hosts and have made this a very valuable time.

Where are your sacred places?