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This summer Pastor Brad’s sermon series on “Sacred Spaces” has blessed and encouraged us to think about God showing up in special - set apart - places in our lives. Last week Pastor Megan helped us focus on transforming our church for a powerful week of VBS helps us “Dive Deep'' into a lifelong relationship with Jesus, Our Savior & Friend. But I have a confession: after working with others to transform our building from an underwater adventure into the sacred space we recognize as St. John’s Ivyland, I am tired!
It is a blessing to be a part of a vibrant, active congregation. Still, just as we are called to “dive deep,” we are called to come up for air. No, I am not suggesting we take a break from our personal relationships with Jesus; but I am very grateful Jesus says “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)
For me and my family, this has been a year! Thank God that God has seen us through every mountain and valley, but I would be dishonest if I did not acknowledge feeling like the weary, heavy-burdened souls that Jesus calls out to from time to time. In talking with members of our St. John’s Ivyland community, I don’t think I am alone in wondering “When do we rest?”
I asked this question of God in prayer and I was given a hopeful answer!
When God creates a sacred space, God is creating a space where we can experience God AND God is creating a space of sanctuary. When we think of “sanctuary” we may think of a room where we worship God or a place where the plants and animals are protected. Growing up, I remember watching shows where criminals would run into a church to yell “Sanctuary!,” and be - at least temporarily - safe from the pursuing police.
The real root of the word sanctuary is “holy.”
The places where we are safe, protected, where it is OK to be tired, are holy places. They are created by God and intended for our restoration.
I don’t know about you, but I have said or thought “I’m too tired to go to Church,” more times than I care to admit publicly. And even though I’m laughing as I write that, I have sometimes felt guilt or shame because of the honesty of that thought. So knowing that God creates sacred, holy, set apart sanctuaries to give us rest, protection and restoration is truly good news.
God understands us. God loves us. God provides for us. Even - and especially when - we feel so tired that we question if we are offering God our best.
We are not robbing God by acknowledging our deep need for rest. But we can rob ourselves of the fullness of God’s restoration when we keep ourselves from the sanctuaries God creates for us and our well being.
Take a break. Come up for air. Rest. But do so knowing that God has created sacred spaces for you - places for you to encounter God and be restored!
Love & Light,
~jt
John-Thomas Crockett
Dir. of Youth, Young Adult & Family Ministries
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