Today was a busy day. I had an acreage community to go check out for possible building sites, plus a long list of errands to run, my mind a jumble with things not only on today’s list, but tomorrow’s and the next day’s, as well. With still another 2-3 stops to make, I pulled up into the parking lot of a large shopping center and looked up. There it was: What appeared to be some kind of chapel sat looming large on a hill top overlooking the shopping center and the city beyond. I’ve been driving past this building since I got here, always wondering about it, but never taking the time to stop and see what it was. I really didn’t have the time to stop today either, but something in my spirit told me that I needed to make time. So, I sat my list aside, and walked up the hill.

Nestled into a lovely garden with large trees, sculptures and fountains, was an extraordinary building of many angles and lines that pointed the eye to the heavens.

It was labeled a “community chapel,” an interfaith structure to be enjoyed by all people, in honor of a woman who had dedicated her life to abandoned, neglected and abused children in the area for over 50 years. I opened the large doors and stepped inside, light streaming through the glass and bouncing off the other surfaces in the room.

By all appearances, I was alone, but I could hear the sound of someone playing the piano. It was live, not recorded, but I couldn’t see the musician. I sat in a pew and listened.

My Jesus, My Savior,
Lord there is no one like you,
All of my days, I want to praise

The wonders of Your mighty love.

My comfort, my shelter,

Tower of refuge and strength

Let every breath, all that I am

Never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing,
Power and majesty, praise to the King!

Mountains bow down and the seas will roar,

At the sound of your name!
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,

Forever I’ll love you, forever I’ll stand

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

As the notes to this familiar tune played, His love washed over me and through me, every pore and vessel. Tears filled my eyes, knowing that I could’ve missed this. How many times had I missed it, because, truly, isn’t He always waiting?

After my encounter with the Lord there in that chapel, I walked the grounds at a leisurely pace, enjoying His glory through the exquisite beauty of the day and the awe-inspiring work of His creation.

The to-do list put back into proper priority and perspective, I reveled in His embrace…a stolen moment with my Savior, sealed with the promise of more.