Grace Episcopal.

As I have grown older, just as any ordinary  human being does, I have come to embrace aspects of life that I once was not too fond of.  One of these aspects in particular is the wonderful blessing of alone time.

After a weekend full of rich time spent with good friends, some solitude in one of my favorite places on this earth was calling my name.

Grace Episcopal Church is a simple, historical, and beautiful church founded in 1893 in Pike Road, Alabama.  I first discovered it while attending one of the greater camps in the South East region known as nothing other than, "Kuzin's Kamp", put on by my  beloved grandparents, Gommy and Gaggy.  Kuzin's Kamp was a week where all nine grandchildren retreated to Gommy and Gaggy's house to enjoy a week of "camp".  This included pool time, tennis, arts and crafts, and big breakfasts followed by The Pledge of Allegiance.  What can I say, we're a patriotic bunch.  In addition to these classic camp activities came along luxuries of actually being at your grandparents house rather than a small wooden screened in box with a roof.  One of these luxuries was the sweet treat of a field trip every now and again, including one to Grace Episcopal Church.

The quaint white chapel dressed with stain glass windows and a cherry red double front door in itself welcomes you warmly, but it is what hides behind the white wood that has always enchanted me the most.

Envision images from "The Secret Garden".  That's the atmosphere that I enter into every time I visit.  It's like entering a whole new world filled with winding vines, trickling fountains, green shady trees, bright blossoms, and not to mention one of the greatest tree-houses that the state of Alabama has shown me thus far.  So in saying all of this, I think it's safe to draw the conclusion that I find this place to  be a magical one.

Today as I was driving home from church thinking to myself about all the things I needed to accomplish before Monday, I naturally went into procrastination mode, immediately having a moment of epiphany  as to where my next stop was going to be.

When my tires first hit the loose stone driveway I was brought to a whole new level of contentment.  Happy memories ranging from my childhood to previous trips I have taken to these grounds since college came flooding into my mind.  After parking and suiting up in my rain coat, I began my exploration.  Walking through these gardens is such an incredibly peaceful, still, and quiet experience that I can't help but be overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness not only for this life that I have been undeservingly blessed with, but for the ways in which my maker tirelessly romances me morning by morning, day by day, and evening by evening with the wonderful people he places ever so purposefully in my life, the beauty and creativity of His creation, and of course the quiet moments he provides for me in times like these to be with my own thoughts and the truths he whispers into my ear.

For me, alone time is essential for survival.  Even if I enter into these times with the worst of attitudes and intentions, they most always recharge me with patience that I often lack, motivation to live life the way that I have been redeemed live, and the type of joy you can feel in your chest.

So, today, I am thankful for quiet special places where I can be alone, think, and be refreshed.