As a child I loved visiting the library. I felt so grown up and excited when I got my first library card, and I cherished it for years.
Over time the library became my hiding place, my sanctuary. Where I was used to chaos and confusion, the library provided order and calm. I didn’t need to feel afraid in the library; I was safe. I didn’t feel insecure; I was myself there. Furthermore, the library opened my eyes to a world of opportunities as its books and music ignited my mind and soul. There was a world bigger and freer than the council estate I lived in. There were things I could learn , careers I could have that nobody else told me about. The library was my first resource to help me on a long journey.
Decades later, I take Zoe to our local library. It’s a place she loves, largely for the puzzles and the tropical fish. This library is not quiet; it’s loud, lively and hectic. No one tries to get people to be quiet, because it’s just not going to happen. There is a food bank inside for people to get supplies they need, and I think it’s the first library I’ve been in which has hardcore security guards who look like they mean business. There are lots of young people. One tenacious looking young woman, sat at a table piled high with books. She worked hard blocking out the sounds around her. I could tell it was her sanctuary too.
Perhaps I am just random, but being in the library got me a little emotional that day, and made me think of what we need in life to be all God has designed us to be. For the past few weeks I’ve been writing about being made in God’s image, EZERs etc, but how do we get there? How does this become more than words?
Your preference may not be a library, but we all need a sanctuary. We need a place of protection that pushes back the world’s lies, and reminds us who we really are. We need a place where we are fed, spiritually, emotionally, practically. We need the opportunity to learn from God afresh, blocking out life’s distractions. There our hearts and minds can be transformed by His words, our futures redefined as we discover God’s plans for our lives.
Where’s your sanctuary?
