Sanctuary

a reflection for those feeling worn out and in need of peaceful refuge

During one very demanding time in my life, when I felt a bit drained from all of the needs and interactions around me, I remember writing something I called "Sanctuary." I had been at Ankeny Bird Refuge and saw that they had roped off the boardwalk (a raised trail made with rail ties) through the remainder of the woods to give the wildlife a place that would be undisturbed by humans. My heart leapt within me when I saw that sign. I needed that, too!

Sometimes in life we need to rope off areas of our lives and leave space for peaceful times, for rest and necessary tasks, and for renewing time with the Lord.

Don't have it all together? Feeling weary? Find rest in the One who came to bring us peace.

(Photo taken by Sue Kuenzi at the Ankeny Bird Refuge when some pelicans were migrating and stopped in for a visit.)

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SANCTUARY

by Susan Kuenzi

I rode my wheelchair down the boardwalk

and through the woods

in fall glory and peace.

I paused to pray often as

I heard the leaves crunching

under my wheels,

an invitation to talk with the LORD.

Though the trip to the bird blind

held pauses pregnant with the desire to cry,

but the lack of energy to do so,

the return trip held transformation.

Just beyond the bird blind, over the area

where I usually watched nutria

or green frogs peering up at me,

the dryness of drought

held little promise of

refreshing water.

Some wise soul

had placed a sign suspended by ropes

across the entry.

SANCTUARY

This trail closed through

the winter months

to allow sanctuary for

the wildlife and habitat.

Those words ministered hope

to my heart for there is a time

for sanctuary in my life

and in yours, too.

On the return roll

through the woods,

I paused more often

now with hope instead of a

feeling of helplessness.

I will find some

twine ropes, frayed ends or not,

and write a sign over my time,

my life, & my heart that says simply,

“SANCTUARY”

And I will rope off the places where

I need some space

until I can breathe free

and strong again

and see the living waters

rise in my soul …

until I feel renewed

and ready for life

and daily encounters

once more.

—Sue Kuenzi 10/13/06