Definition = a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, trouble

Where’s my safe place? Where do I run to when I feel unsafe or troubled.

The word above has been running through my head today. So much so, I thought, in the state our world is in, I would write about.

This word became very important to me when my husband was killed. He was one I could physically run to, call, go to when I felt out of sorts either internally, or externally. He was physically present in my life.

Now, he’s no longer here. And I don’t mean for this to sound trite or second best, but when he was gone there was only one other who knew me better than my husband, yup you guessed it God. I did, can, and will run to Him internally….in my mind, & heart. But there are times I feel a need a place. Somewhere I can go to think, process, pray, sit. In all the apartments, after my husbands death, I always had a spot. I’ve written about this place before in this blog. Somewhere I can sit and just be.

Fast forward to my new home. Yes, I call it home cause it’s mine. It’s taken me a while to be able to say this. I’ve not ever owned anything this big before that I can call mine…but that’s another subject.

I thought since I’m in my new home I didn’t need a spot. Because I can sit anywhere, be anywhere…..right!! Well…ummm, nope. I still feel restless, not just because of what the state our world is in right now, but internally and externally roaming (yes I roam around my house…searching). So this got me thinking about the word “refuge” a place to go to be, not work, just be. Allow my thoughts to roam, my prayers linger, to journal, be still. My” spot” is in process (I have a corner in my bedroom reserved for my soon coming chair. For now I sit on the floor)….I’ve come to realize internally, having a spot/a place of refuge/a retreat is important. I know my Lord will meet me where ever I am but finding/claiming my spot is a must have.

I wish I would have thought of this years ago….but my attention was on other things….like my husbands needs, kids needs, church needs (sometimes…well a lot of times church ran into everything else). So here’s a little advise to anyone who may read this. I know family, work, friends, animals…..etc, needs can get in the way/over run, your own. Maybe you don’t even know what your own needs are. Take the time to find out. You and your sanity is worth it. Find your spot, your place of refuge/retreat (the bathroom doesn’t count)….where to go when you need to breathe. Don’t wait until things change, or slow down…DO IT NOW!!

I think right now, when we go outside our doors or watch tv….we see our world has changed or is changing all the time….we need something that is constant….a spot is just that, it’s a place you can control, make it whatever YOU want…a mat, a bed, a closet, a corner, under a bed, a fort. It doesn’t matter the size, it’s your happy place!!!!!