We all need a sanctuary...where's yours?

(The farm)

There were a number of places during my youth where I sought sanctuary.  Those were ‘secret’ places where I would retreat when I felt claustrophobic. I would put on my farm hat and ***veldskoens and hastily leave the farmhouse - to head for the mountains. Sometimes the dogs would accompany me on my adventures, sometimes not.  “The bush” was my haven and offered a place to rest and for me to ponder my life.  Nowadays, I relish the treasured images of those young, innocent days.

(Waterfall: Mpumalanga)

There was one, particular spot, deep in the mountains.  It was located on the far boundary and overlooked an old, dried-up waterfall.  Although it was quite a climb, it was worth the effort.  Once there, I’d stand on my tip-toes and stare at the beautiful view across the plains of the **Lowveld . Hundreds of rows of green tomato plants, mealies, peanuts and mangoes lay before me.  It was the epitome of abundance.

Although the **Lowveld is usually dry, a transformation took place when it rained.  The small, dry stream in the ravine would morph into a babbling brook.  Everything would come to life including the mountains’ birdsong. It was beautiful!  

(Above: Debegeni Waterfall, Limpopo province)

Those were innocent times. Although I was well under ten years old, my only real vulnerability was the ever-present threat of snakes.  At times, I would flop down onto the sand-bank, stretch myself out and look deep into the blue infinite sky.  Usually I’d find a tiny shoot of grass and suck on its sweet end. I had endless time to ‘think and ponder’ about the amazing Creator of this beautiful place.   

I remember the sounds of my ‘sanctuary’ so well; the wind as it sashayed down the mountain-side; the cry of the purple-crested lourie in the valley; the timbre of the tambourine dove as it sang out its woes; the tranquility of the stream and the sound of sand and twigs being displaced under my own veldskoens.  

I’d often hold my breath, fearing that it was too loud for this setting.  This was a fragile, beautiful ecosystem and I was its guest.  The odours too were distinctive.  Sometimes there was the invasive smell of a dead animal along the path and sometimes the tangy odour of *khakibos. At those times, I was acutely aware of my own freshly washed skin and how alien it seemed in this environment. 

(Waterfall: Drakensberg)

If I think back, this place offered everything I’d ever need for my soul.  It was the epitome of the musing of the great psalmist – David - in his “Psalm 23”:

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

(A 3 minute, nostalgic video of my childhood farm - if you are interested)

Nowadays, as an adult living in a totally different world, I still find sanctuary in the most unexpected places – a gathering of people, a book, a garden, a conversation, a kind gesture from a stranger.  Amidst the bustle of the city, there is also beauty and purpose – you just have to look for it.  These places allow me to draw close to my Maker and to resume my life’s-journey.  

Today, I say thank you to the gathering of women who became my sanctuary for a few hours. It was my first visit to this little fellowship group and I was welcomed with gentleness and encouragement.  Like the sanctuary of my childhood, I’ve returned home feeling refreshed and restored – a treasured gift in this modern day world.

What are the images which provide sanctuary for you in this busy world of ours?

Sending lotsaluv to all my readers.

***Veldskoen (or “vellie”, colloquial, veldskoene plural, alternately velskoens or velskoene plural; pronounced "FELL-skoons") are Southern African walking shoes made from tanned leather.

**Lowveld (Low grassland/bush region of South Africa)

* Khakibos (A pungent grass)