Cleansing in the Sanctuary

This morning about 8 am it was as if I was being drawn to the "secret place". That place where I seem to hear Him more clearly. A little tired, yet drawn, I put on my walking shoes and stepped out to a crisp, moist air. My first thought was. "man, I really want to walk this morning, it's been a couple of days." As I turned back toward the door, a determination stirred. I went back in , grabbed my i pod and headed to the Tahoe.

You all know me, I am a fair weather, golfer, walker, well...most anything I do, I like it may way.
Ouch, that self confession hurt, when I ponder the truth of that. Well, I will ponder that thought more and you may see more on that in another blog.

Now, back to the walk......
The whole 40 seconds it took me to get to the highway, I was thinking....I have lost my mind.
Then.... I see a sweet little fellow that lives in our community walking in the rain toward work.
I wish I could say my first instinct was to stop. Yes, I did, but only after I had to slap myself for even thinking it would be quicker to just go on. (another confession). I am so glad I did stop. I wonder how many times we miss opportunity when we get self absorbed.

After the quick detour, I make my way to the bridge. I get out, trek forward, starting to second guess my decision to come out here. As always, this trip to the "Sanctuary" proved to be beneficial and sacred.

It was quiet and peaceful as I took off in a brisk walk. The damp old bridge looked especially weathered as I walked. Strangely enough I seemed to be wrapped in a blanket of love. I don't know why but my thoughts began to go to my sweet Grandaddy, who has been with Jesus since 92. He was my hero and even though I didn't see him as much as I would have liked; the sweet assurance in his smile, and in peace of his countenance was similar to the feeling I was experiencing now. It's just like God to bring a precious rememberance to my mind like that. It was what I like to call, "A Kiss from God"

By now my glasses need windshield wipers and my hair is drenched but, I could not have felt more alive, at peace and in His presence. As the mist became a bit heavier it was as if every step I took there was cleansing. All the guilt of wrong thinking, wrong words, offenses taken were washing away. Issues would still be around that needed to be dealt with, but this cleansing gave hope and security. Now readers, don't get me wrong, I am blessed. I don't want anyone to think there are serious issues looming over me now. You know, just those things that build up on us and go unattended. Here, the worries seemed to be washed away.


Cleansing rain washing over me
Each step reinforcing me to believe
Everyday, If I look I will see
More of who you are creating me be be

Each step I take draws me in so nigh
and more hope begings to arise
Doubts may come around
but in your presence true peace is found

Mist is covering my eyes
yet, I see more clearly , YES
Hope restored,
Peace secured,
Cleansed, and redeemed