Havens

Friday night I went down to hear a piano concert at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. There were 2000 people protesting around Temple Square because they weren't happy about the church's involvement with the vote in California regarding gay marriages. Because of construction, I had to walk down the same sidewalk that the hoards of protestors were walking up. I felt like a salmon swimming upstream and my progress was VERY slow. Then, just past the Lion House, I turned off into the interior of the block because I know it is church owned property and the protestors wouldn't be in there.

The contrast was stark and I was struck by the difference. I could hear a loud din reverberating off the buildings surrounding the courtyard, but it was so peaceful on the interior of the block. There were protestors all around me. There was anger and agitation. There was dissension. But I felt protected, peaceful, safe, and free. Free to progress much faster to my destination.

I felt like I was in the eye of a storm. It seemed like there was so much "swirling" around me, but none of it was in the middle where I was. It was just peaceful and empty.

Photo from: http://s3.amazonaws.com/estock/nasas1/5/71/46/everystockphoto-nasa-space-57146-o.jpg
(I know, don't laugh at me because I put the source where I got this picture. I CAN'T HELP IT! I'M A LIBRARIAN NOW! I spend SO much time telling kids to do it, I figure I'd better be doing it myself.)


As I walked toward the temple, I realized that that structure is another haven. I had been there just the day before. Whenever I’m in the temple, I feel like I’m insulated from the craziness, busyness, evils, terror, and the dizzying pace of the world. I feel like nothing can touch me and I can focus on spiritual things without distractions.


My home is another haven. I think of it as a place where I am safe and loved. And no matter what horrible things are happening outside, I will be safe in my house (because I have 2 big dogs…OK, 1 big dog and one pip-squeak that will GROW into a big dog sooner than you know.) It’s a place where I can get away from rude people at work, noise on the streets, evil influences (if I’m careful about what I allow to enter my house), and the hustle of moving about with more and more people every day (yes, Salt Lake is getting CROWDED!)


I did finally make it to my destination, Temple Square, only to find out that it was locked down and everyone had been sent home. I’m grateful for the havens in my life where I can find peace. I think the older I get, the higher value I place on peace.