Do we realize how strong a role place plays in our lives? Let’s think of some of the ways place shapes our thinking and feeling.
Of course, Dorothy taught us “there’s no place like home.” Yes, it’s a comfortable feeling having a place to call your own. And not just any old place to stay. A place to be yourself; your happy place, or your hiding place, even.
But isn’t it also good when someone says you’re going places?
Now, sometimes, when you get there, people act as if they own the place. Be careful. They may try to put you in your place–that always seems to be second place. Which might make you feel out of place. Before long, you get stuck between a rock and a hard place. Most times, you find yourself praying things will fall into place.
And we also know we can’t always change places with each other. But if I try to put myself in your place, I’d understand more of how you feel. I’d realize, more often than not, your heart is in the right place.
Have you ever tried to be in two places at one time? You place yourself at the mercy of the almighty calendar. It’s great when you can be at the right place at the right time. If you find yourself all over the place, though, you might end up at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Don’t worry if you do! You’ve got a special place in my heart, and I’ve got friends in low places.
Remember when people used to talk about a “woman’s place?” Don’t use that kind of language today. Someone might get placed under arrest. Of course, that’s just a little bit of advice. Don’t spend it all in one place.
There are few perfect places, and that is okay. Even if we’re not at the place to be, we are in sacred places. Because, of course, God is with us. Place is important to us. So, the Lord meets us where we are, making every place a holy space. There are times when God’s presence becomes an encounter we never forget. Those moments stand out to us for good reason.
Most times, we don’t have encounters. Instead, we learn to realize wherever we are, “Surely the Lord is in this place.”
Stay blessed…john
