Grateful for Sacred Spaces that feed my soul
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26
Father’s Day Sunday turned out to be busy, full, and diverse. I could easily write four distinct posts to cover the range of interesting and inspirational experiences.
I’ll begin – as I often do – on the WFPC campus, wandering through the gardens before worship. This time I paused at the splashes of color outside Rebekah’s office, stopped briefly at the Rose Garden, then made my way down to the new meditative spot outside the CLC.
There’s a bench, some new hardscaping, and a lot of fresh plantings that will develop over time into one more invitational space for prayer, reflection, and meditation.
I understand that church is by definition a community experience, the shared passion and energy of people committed to following Jesus in the context of where we live, and not limited to a particular physical location. This virtual… Zoom… on-line… social-distancing world has confirmed that truth in many ways. But, that said, there is as lot of power in location, and there are many amazing cues we can take from “Sacred Spaces.”
On our campus, the sacred spaces outside are increasingly wonderful. And I’m not just talking about the pretty flowers, but also the community vegetable gardens, the trees, the grass…. I don’t know, maybe it’s because we are not meeting together that the campus itself is holding some of the collective spirit of community that we need? Whatever the reason, literally being there now seems to be even more important now than ever before.
So enjoy these pictures (and stop by to pray in one of the welcoming spaces) and I may post again later today.
Till then, “May the Lord bless you and keep you…” – DEREK
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Derek has published seven books in the past decade (you can find them at https://www.amazon.com/Derek-Maul/e/B001JS9WC4), and there’s always something new in the works.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Derek taught public school in Florida for eighteen years, including cutting-edge work with autistic children. He holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and education from Stetson University and the University of West Florida.
Derek is active in teaching at his church: adult Sunday school, and a men’s Bible study/spiritual formation group. He enjoys the outdoors, traveling, photography, reading, cooking, playing guitar, and golf.
