Rest in the Rock

This church, Queen of All Saints, seems as if it belongs straight out of a story-book set in England. It just so happens to be on the route to Maddie's school. And for that, I'm so grateful.


{As an aside, my friend Sara got married here. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? It's like the longest center isle you could possibly imagine. Perfect for a fairy-tale wedding. I wish I would have known her then because I can't even picture how BEAUTIFUL a wedding would be in that church!}

Every morning when I see it, I'm compelled to pray. For Kim. For my other friends who are hurting and struggling right now.

Through the past six weeks, I have found myself drawn to the beauty of this church. I have needed the solace it offers. With the deep sadness of John's suicide has come the need for solitude. Reflection. Quiet. Beauty. Wondering. Prayer.

Somehow, I think the stone used in this church has drawn me in. Symbolic of the bedrock of my faith - Jesus Christ - during this season of deep sadness. Like the stone used to build this church so long ago, Jesus is Solid. Un-wavering. Safe. I need Him.

I grew up in a denomination that placed no value on aesthetics, but I have to say, the beauty of an old Catholic church does add tremendously to the worship experience. There is something beautiful, and I'm sure comforting to those who grew up in that tradition, to experience liturgy in worship. I have found that the quiet, coupled with the rich physical beauty of the Catholic Church have been comforting and a place where I have met my Saviour over the last few weeks, on ordinary mornings when I just needed to stop and say, "Lord, the sadness is too deep to do without you. Would you show up and Comfort?"

And I think that He delights in showing up when we ask Him to do so. {And quite frankly, He shows up whether we ask Him to or not, but it's especially cool when we take the time to actually ask for His help. I think He gets a kick out of that.}


One particular morning, a few weeks ago, I opened to Psalm 62. This one has been particularly meaningful to me through the years, especially upon my return to America in July of 1999, after living in Indonesia for 3 years. I've had these verses underlined and circled for a decade.

But this past month, the verses have once again spoken to that deep place in my heart. That longing for His strength when I feel weak. For the Rest that He offers. For the ROCK that He is. I pray these verses over Kim and her children very regularly. And myself. And Jack. And also for those friends of mine, who in the last few weeks, find themselves carrying heavy, heavy burdens.
If you're struggling today, or if you simply need a reminder of who God is, take out your Bible, flip to the middle and find Psalm 62. And drink it in.

Rest in the Rock.