By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
My husband and I were looking for something fun to do one Saturday afternoon and began searching the Internet for ideas. Located only 20 minutes away, we found an historic estate called Veraestau. It was built in the early 1800s and is now an historical site open for public tours. (Just the kind of activity we were looking for.)
As we entered the estate’s long winding driveway, we were impressed by the remarkable oak trees lining the pathway. When we finally reached the top of the hill, we were struck by the beauty surrounding this historic home and carriage house. All around we saw lush green landscape and breathtaking views of the Ohio River. As we walked the property, a constant breeze cooled us from the summer heat. (It felt like we were experiencing a little piece of heaven on earth.) The tour guide shared the fascinating details of the estate’s history.
At one point, the tour guide explained how one of the wealthy homeowners from the early 1900s used this estate as a place of refuge. Even though Cornelius O’Brien and his wife owned a mansion just down the hill in Greendale (just a few miles away) they still used Veraestau as their favorite vacation getaway.
Initially I thought, why have a second home so close to your full-time home? Wouldn’t it make more sense to vacation further away?
But the longer we enjoyed the mountain view, the more I understood the attraction. What a gift it would be to have a place so close to home, a place where you could clear your head and gain new perspective. Then I realized that any of us can have a space like this. It doesn’t need to be a physical location with an elevated viewpoint like Veraestau. It just needs to be a place where we can go in our mind with God, using our God-given imagination.
Let’s give it a try.
First, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down and imagine you are surrounded by nature. CLICK HERE ifyou would like to have the sounds of nature in the background.
Now that you’ve set the mood with sounds of nature, take several deep breaths, in and out, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Concentrate on relaxing your body with each new breath. Starting with your feet and working your way to the top of your head, mentally speak to each muscle, commanding your body into a state of rest.
In your mind’s eye, picture yourself standing on top of a regal mountain. The view is spectacular. Feast your eyes upon the rolling hills, green grass, majestic trees, and colorful wildflowers dotting the landscape. The sky is clear blue with white fluffy clouds floating in the distance. The temperature is a comfortable 75 degrees with low humidity. The sun is shining, and a warm breeze is blowing. You can hear the occasional rustle of leaves with each burst of wind, as well as a symphony of songbirds in the distance.
Take-in each imagined sight, sound, and smell. There is such a sweetness in the air that you can practically taste it. As you look down at the valley below and focus on the mountains in the distance, you feel a sense of awe. You are overwhelmed by the magnificence that surrounds you. All at once, the peace of God envelops you.
You turn your head and notice that Jesus has joined you. He smiles, takes hold of your hand, and whispers, “I created all of this for you, my Beloved. This place, although it is in your mind, is always here for you to escape and find refuge. Anytime that you need to rest or simply need to gain perspective from an elevated viewpoint, come and meet with me; I am always here in the recess of your mind.”
You can linger in this tranquil imaginary place for as long as you need. Lean your head on Jesus as He lovingly strokes your hair. Release all your cares to Him. He created you and knows you by name.
When you are ready to come back in the present moment, embrace these unchanging truths:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:26).
“He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights” (Psalm 18:33).
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4).
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3).
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5).
Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Check out our daily devotional books: Living in Truth Day by Day *** Living in Truth Mind, Body, Spirit
