31 Days: When a bench is an invitation to listen

Deep shade is not enough to dull the brilliant colours of the flowering rhododendrons. Rhododendron Valley in Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to spend a sunny spring afternoon.

Did you notice the bench in the photograph? All along the paths that traverse the slopes of the valley there are benches where you can stop to rest for a while and take in the view. It may have something to do with the fact that the garden is established on a fairly steep hillside, but to me each bench is an invitation.

An invitation to sit with the Lord, to be still in his presence, to enjoy the beauty of his creation, and to listen him. An empty bench reminds me I need space for a relationship with God, and that he is always waiting for me, ready to be with me.

This is a soul space for me. A place where I can rest and wait on the Lord. Many times I’ve met God on a bench in this garden, and so I keep returning, grateful for his invitation.

Do you have a favourite place to be with God, or something else that you reminds of his invitation for you to come and be with him, to listen?

This is Day 17 of the series 31 to Listen.