SEEKING

 While on one of my trips of a lifetime to NYC, we walked by the St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Imposing, majestic, beautiful--this House of God tucked in the midst of millions of people and skyscrapers was breath taking.  They were renovating the building and we were not able to go inside, but we have all seen pictures and know the grandeur of the interior.  This was built as a sanctuary among the masses for those seeking God's presence.  A place in the rush and hurry of the city  to stop and know He is present.  We have all been in majestic churches and know the hush of holiness we experience when entering.  Whether that is the presence of God certainly depends upon the individual entering.  He reveals Himself to those who are seeking Him.  

Another once in a lifetime trip to Switzerland, we visited the church where the wedding was filmed for "The Sound of Music".  The Nonnberg Abbey is in a small town OF 150,000 in Austria.  A hushed reverence in the midst of unveiled beauty was present as we walked through those great doors.  The tall ceilings allow for any sounds to echo.  We were still and quiet as we entered.  Not a word---utter silence in the House of God.  His presence was all around us as we stood there in awe.

"And you will seek Me and find Me

when you search for Me

with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:13

In most cases, today's churches do not strike that same sense of awe and wonder when I enter (I am strictly speaking from a personal perspective).  I totally understand the reasons behind this, but I am allowed to also miss the reverence of knowing I was entering the House of God from my past. 

Other experiences have catapulted me into God's presence---a mountain top, the reflection of the forest in the water, the sunrise or sunset, holding a new born baby, music, birds singing, and on and on.  God seems to be in so many moments of the day.  I love those sweet hushed moments of experiencing His nearness--knowing His presence.  What holy moments those are!  

Seek Him---know His presence---God with us.  So much beauty and reassurance in knowing this is true.  

"One thing have I asked of the Lord,

that I will seek after:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

and to inquire in His temple."

Psalm 27:4