The Inner Sanctum In A Cold, Harsh, World
I own a very old 1915 home here in my hometown. When we had thought to move back to Goshen Indiana from our two years in Florida, I poured over the very small listing of homes for sale at the time and this one caught my eye. My daughter and I loved it. The pictures conveyed warmth and welcoming. It looked cozy and had that particular charm that drew our hearts. It had a big garage for my husband and a large back yard. It was perfect.
Although this home was on the market for quite awhile, when I came to see it, I loved it even more. I looked at no other houses. We made an offer that same day.
We have lived here two and a half years. One thing this house needs is insulation. The old lath and plaster construction, plus the old layer of green siding and then the new layer of grey siding is all that holds the heat that radiates from the cast-iron radiators. This almost record cold we’ve been experiencing the last couple days has penetrated the walls and the radiators are no match for it. They are trying hard....but the temps in here keep dropping.
Gratefully, when we bought this place, there was a large Napoleon oak fireplace set on one side in the livingroom. I love the fireplace. So many people have thought that it would give us more space for good furniture layout if it was removed. But I’ve fought for it to stay and I’m glad I did. With the temps in the house now at 56 degree’s, I’m able to close the original pocket doors to this one room and stay warm here. I even dragged the futon from the other room in here last night and my daughter & I had a little sleepover in this toasty room.
This whole situation makes for a good spiritual analogy. It got me thinking about Daniel, who would take times throughout his day to spend with God in prayer. David. Jesus (our ultimate example). Graham Cooke, who takes multiple times a day to stop and worship God and be with Him. Smith Wigglesworth who oft spent time in God’s Presence. George Mueller who took every morning and times throughout the day to present the many needs of the orphanage to God alone in prayer.
What a beautiful inner sanctum we have with God in His wonderful presence. This enclosed room that is the only warm place in this house right now reminds me of what it’s like when we enjoy God and take time with Him. He fills us with joy and motivation and the togetherness we all long for. He fulfills us in the deepest part of us....that deep deep part that nothing or no one can touch but Him. And it’s a safe place and warm, in a cold, hard world. He is our inner sanctum. Our place of belonging. Under His wings we find refuge. He who dwells in the secret place of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91).
How lovely to think about this as I sit with my daughter who has cozied herself by the fire. We discuss this together. I love these conversations with her. I love how even in situations where it could be hard, God is so good to show us so many wonderful things.
Although this home was on the market for quite awhile, when I came to see it, I loved it even more. I looked at no other houses. We made an offer that same day.
We have lived here two and a half years. One thing this house needs is insulation. The old lath and plaster construction, plus the old layer of green siding and then the new layer of grey siding is all that holds the heat that radiates from the cast-iron radiators. This almost record cold we’ve been experiencing the last couple days has penetrated the walls and the radiators are no match for it. They are trying hard....but the temps in here keep dropping.
Gratefully, when we bought this place, there was a large Napoleon oak fireplace set on one side in the livingroom. I love the fireplace. So many people have thought that it would give us more space for good furniture layout if it was removed. But I’ve fought for it to stay and I’m glad I did. With the temps in the house now at 56 degree’s, I’m able to close the original pocket doors to this one room and stay warm here. I even dragged the futon from the other room in here last night and my daughter & I had a little sleepover in this toasty room.
This whole situation makes for a good spiritual analogy. It got me thinking about Daniel, who would take times throughout his day to spend with God in prayer. David. Jesus (our ultimate example). Graham Cooke, who takes multiple times a day to stop and worship God and be with Him. Smith Wigglesworth who oft spent time in God’s Presence. George Mueller who took every morning and times throughout the day to present the many needs of the orphanage to God alone in prayer.
What a beautiful inner sanctum we have with God in His wonderful presence. This enclosed room that is the only warm place in this house right now reminds me of what it’s like when we enjoy God and take time with Him. He fills us with joy and motivation and the togetherness we all long for. He fulfills us in the deepest part of us....that deep deep part that nothing or no one can touch but Him. And it’s a safe place and warm, in a cold, hard world. He is our inner sanctum. Our place of belonging. Under His wings we find refuge. He who dwells in the secret place of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91).
How lovely to think about this as I sit with my daughter who has cozied herself by the fire. We discuss this together. I love these conversations with her. I love how even in situations where it could be hard, God is so good to show us so many wonderful things.
This is absolutely beautiful my dear sister! Is it such a sweet comfort - such an empowering concept - to know that we can "cuddle up" with our Father at any time! Even sweeter is sharing that with loved ones - this so reminded me of myself and Jazlynn. Such precious moments and shared Spiritual growth found only in the and through trials. Thank you so much for sharing your insight and your warmth. You are such a beautiful treasure!
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