Creating Sanctuary at home often means offering rest to the weary soul. I don't know about you, but I feel weary quite often and my soul yearns for the comfort of a loving touch or gentle understanding. Overwhelmed by the tasks undone, my impulse is to hide under the pillows and hope it all goes away.
My husband calls this feeling "beaten down."
Yesterday was a long day. Good, but long. As I drove the hour-long trip home and the clock neared 8 pm, I was given Sanctuary in my husband's kind voice on the telephone.
"Come on home," he said. "We'll take care of you."
It was a cup of cold water to me.
My mother (she and Dad and visiting from Nebraska) made a delicious dinner and kept it warm on the stove until I got home. Boy, it tasted good. Banana cream pie for dessert? Wow, we never get REAL dessert at our house. She offered Sanctuary to me in a way that only Moms can.
I woke up this morning and one of my first thoughts was how loved I felt after my long day. I began to think of ways that I could reciprocate Sanctuary to my loved ones.
My daughters could use a phone call. My son would like me to walk to the pond with him and sit while he fishes. My husband would love to walk into a clean bedroom. My parents would enjoy a cup of coffee with me.
Everyday Sanctuary is in the simplest, yet most meaningful of things. It is found in taking a moment to think about how we can express our love for the other person in a way that brings comfort to their soul. Tonight, my family will indulge my love of Survivor (7 pm, CBS), and let me sit on the couch for an hour to watch my favorite show. It means a lot to me that they clear that hour to sit with me. Scoff if you want, but that is Sanctuary to me.
Prov. 14:22 says, Those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
I am making plans to provide Sanctuary for my family today. What a blessing to know that love and faithfulness are promised when we plan what is good.
What does everyday Sanctuary look like at your house?