“People encounter God under shady oak trees, on riverbanks, at the tops of mountains, and in long stretches of barren wilderness. God shows up in whirlwinds, starry skies, burning bushes and perfect strangers.” Barbara Brown Taylor
Growing up my experience of sanctuary was a tall building with a steeple, enormous stained glass windows, large looming statues, and lots of marble everywhere. There were so many rules in the sanctuary, one of them required being still and quiet. Only whispers were allowed unless you were praying or singing in the mass. When I was there I recited prayers I had memorized and followed the instructions of the adults. There was no laughing allowed, of course, that rule alone brought out the giggles at the most inopportune moments.
I never felt good enough to be in the sanctuary. I was there to confess my sins and my unworthiness.
Today my experience of sanctuary is anywhere I feel connection with the Divine. In the forest, at the beach, or out to dinner with friends. Sanctuary can be playing with a puppy, helping a neighbor, or going for a walk in the park.
My home is my sacred sanctuary — a place where I feel love, peace, freedom and harmony. Laughter, joy and fun are absolutely permitted in my sanctuary. I affirm everyone who comes into my home feels the presence of love. I am free to communicate with Spirit through my tears, my anger, my gratitude. My prayers are free flowing, joy-filled whispers, shouts, songs and cheers.
How freeing it is to have the world as my sanctuary. It is such a blessing to feel God’s presence and love wherever I am.
Where is your sanctuary?
It is with gratitude to receive your words.
So many search for these words. You have opened
eyes and hearts.
Thank you Martha for your kind words. So nice to hear from you.
My sanctuary is my home and when I’m with my close friends. Many times while I am home and or with friends I take a snap shot in time, “be grateful in this moment Carrie.” My life has taken a different turn, this new road was scary, but now I’m curious more than frightened. I turn to my sanctuary often. I put loving energy into it than I have ever before. It is really all I need, and I am blessed to have it.
Thanks Carrie for the beautiful description of your home sanctuary. Being curious is a high spiritual practice. Great work!
My sanctuary is my sewing room…source of many joyful and creative times. It is filled with exciting, deeply fulfilling ideas as well as possibilities in various stages of expression.
It is also the place I do my best reading, with a stack of loved books and others I can’t wait to read. I do my best spiritual work there…prayer, journaling, visioning.
This is the one space arranged and used just as my soul envisions.
I love that Nancy. It is the space created for your soul’s highest revelation. Beautiful!