Peace

This post was meant for a few weeks ago, but as things go I didn't get around to writing about it until today.

A few weeks back on a Saturday Chicago trip, amidst the hustle & bustle we were amazed to enjoy this spot...

As you can see, through the archways, civilization lies just beyond the other side. In fact, you will recognize this that is really just across the street...

On many trips to Chicago, I have admired this building and photgraphed it--from the front. It is beautiful from any angle. Usually, there is a wedding going on that would keep us from getting photos of anything but the front--not on this day.

On this very busy day of shopping, dodging crowds of people and even some things I wouldn't ever wish to see again in life, here it was... footsteps away from Water Tower Square, an address on Michigan Avenue, mere feet away from busy sidewalks, and inches away from most of the people and the noise.

It was only for mere minutes that we visited. Amazement filled me as we stepped in to the courtyard. Here we stood looking around at the grandiose stuctures you have just looked at, and marvelled at the quietness and tranquility of this place. Having left the sidewalk only a few feet away, the new quietness amidst the constant bustle of a large city on a Saturday was unbelievable. One could think and breathe it in here. In a city of millions of people, a place where it was just two people. A few other visitors came into the courtyard--only a couple.
The quietness struck me. It was not an eery quiet, just a peaceful quiet. I was thankful for that moment of the day. After all, in those moments you can stop and recognize that in the midst of our crazy world, God is there. He holds those quiet places and patiently waits for us to come in. So many times, I have seen this structure and enjoyed it from the outside. Never had I gone further and experienced what it offered only to find it better from inside than the outside. The same holds true of my life with God. All too often, I observe rather than being fully invested.

In the midst of this season in particular, it is my goal to be a person who experiences the peace and quiet found in the everyday life. It is then that I can sit and truly listen to what He is saying to me.

Interestingly enough, this photo of the front was not taken on the trip I have mentioned, but on another trip earlier in the year. It is probably obvious since the light of summer is different than that of fall. In case you were wondering, it is the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago.