Meeting God

The morning after our return to Salisbury (where my mother and Robin had been looking after the girls), I found myself sitting sleepily in Salisbury Cathedral with the rest of the family. It was whilst sitting there in the morning service that I was touched in a peculiar way. I was overwhelmed. The sound of the wonderful choir singing like angels, would rise up and echo around the truly majestic building built for God's glory.

And that is what had a profound effect on me - the fact that everywhere I looked something had been created so beautifully, so intricately to worship God.

Then the poetry from the psalms, sung so exquisitely, reached into my heart and the tears started to flow. I just don't know what came over me and I felt quite stupid as Lucy kindly told me that people were looking!

And as I left, my feet treading on the steps worn down by centuries of pilgrims I turned to look up and caught sight of him..

..maybe he knew and understood what had touched me that morning but all I know was that I caught a small glimpse of heaven.

Comments

[Holly]

What a wonderful moment that must have been. It is so awesome to be touched by the glory of God, to be able to sense, if just for a moment, the splendor of His majesty. I think that we would be entirely overwhelmed if we were able to grasp that magnitude every moment of every day, but to taste it here and there - like you said, it's a glimpse of heaven. And then to add to that the wonderful continuity of worshiping with thousands, millions of people who have come before you and will come after you - you were touched by eternity! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[Leisa]

My initial thoughts were exactly as Holly has said above. To be touched by God through his Holy Spirit is an experience in itself but to be in a place as beautiful as that Cathederal where thousands have been before must truly be a most wonderful blessing indeed.

[Rochelle]

How BEAUTIFUL!!! What a lovely experience.

I too, felt touched last night and felt close to God. Just reading scriptures and praying. Nothing too fancy like this incredible cathedral, but I did feel so overwhelmed that He loves me and cares about how my life goes and isn't that wonderfu!!!??

[Counting Your Blessings]

I was just taking the dogs out and had to stop to listen to the crickets and other nightly noisy bugs. I stood out there thinking, "Oh Lord, you aren't just an artist, you're a musician too." Again, counting my blessings... They're just everywhere!! I can't praise Him enough. -Polly

[Sandy]

Beautiful posting!

[tea time and roses]

To be touched by the Holy Spirit of God is like nothing else I ever experienced.. He is so wonderful, so marvelous, so loving, so kind.... He is worthy of our praise...

Heartfelt...

Beverly

[Linda Harre]

What a beautiful post! So seldom do we read of someone being touched by God! Lovely....just lovely:D

[Sarah]

GOD loves us and wants us to open our hearts to him. Dont worry about crying in churches, it happens to people all of the time so you are not alone.

GOD Bless,

Sarah x

[farmlife4014]

I got chills reading this one! There are times in life when you look around and you just KNOW with all you heart that God not only exists, but that he loves you very much. Sort of like getting a letter from home when your away, isn't it?
God bless!
Terri

[Plumtickled]

So funny the moments that we feel Him. I was floating on my back at the Lake the other day...... all I could see were the clouds above me and although there were kids nearby and cars and such, I could only hear my own breathing since the water filled my ears...... it was just peaceful. I thanked Him for such a wonderful day and a wonderful life.

[paula luckhurst]

I know SO WELL everything you said. It happened to me last sunday, after communion. In those moments looks like our soul is too small to receive God in that way and we burst in emotion.

Lovely article and pictures - as always.

[Monique]

That is so beautiful. I understand exactly what you mean. To be touched in such a way.
I'm so glad you had the opportunity to get this experience !!!
That is such a beautiful church. I have just been in Chartres and I must say the church in Salisbury looks equally beautiful !!!!

[Nanette]

The photos of the cathedral are fabulous. I have always been very interested in such architecture since reading "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It is my favorite book and I have read it over and over. The story behind such buildings is fabulous. I don't know when the Salisbury church was built but it reminds me of the richness of talent that has always been on the earth.

Very inspiring photos. Thanks for sharing.

[Marilyn]

I have to admit your post gave me the chills with it's beauty. The prose and photography really touched my heart.

Thank you for sharing this inspiring moment with us.

Marilyn (in Dallas)

[Rebecca]

As I read this tears welled up in my eyes. I felt uplifted. What a beautiful moment.

[Rosemary]

Wow,
That is amazing!! How great for you. What a beautiful church.
Rosemary

[Angel Jem]

Magic. I love when place, time and person come together and have such wonderful experiences. What a beautiful feeling. (Also, if I'd have been there and seen you crying, I'd have joined in....)

[Lulu]

Just lovely!

[teresa]

Oh wow, how magnificient the cathedral is in your photos. Wow! Can't think of anything better than your overwhelming feelings there. How beautiful and how lucky you are to be receptive to God's prescence!!

[teresa]

oops, I can spell, and I meant presence!! :)

[Sew Recycled]

It is a truely beautiful place - perhaps God was letting you know that he forgave you for your wild spending and chaffing in London and that he was at peace with you! He was ridding you of the guilt! It was worth it though - beautiful yummy blanket.

[Sweet Remembrance]

So Beautiful...

[Sharon]

A beautiful post ~ and don't worry, lots of us have cried in church, I know that I have and not just on sad occasions like funerals.
Some months ago, after an appointment with my GP who diagnosed that I had depression, I felt an overwhelming urge to go and sit in the lovely, very old, church in the middle of our town. I got there part-way through a service and so I sat in a quiet part of the church so as not to disturb the little gathering of folk attending the service. It was so peaceful in there, so quiet and calm, and I found myself just sitting and sobbing. I wasn't upset because of my GP's diagnosis, I was relieved that finally I knew what was wrong and that something could be done to help me; sitting there in church, I felt so close to God, like He had reached down to hold me and envelop me in His love. It just seemed to be the key to opening the floodgates and my weeping felt cleansing and healing. The lovely lady vicar was obviously told that there was a woman sitting in a corner sobbing to herself (!) and she came over and prayed with me. It was a real turning point for me and whilst I know that I am still not entirely recovered yet, I am SO much better than I was, it's like I am a different person.

[Debbie]

Absolutely beautiful, touching post. Thank you!

[debbies-english-treasures]

YOU love GOD and GOD loves YOU!
Kisses Kisses
Debbie
xxx

[D.K.]

Thank you not only for sharing the photos and your experience, but for invoking such great comments from others that I enjoyed reading.

[nel]

So beautiful...Nel

[Phyllis]

Oh I could feel it too...just sitting here! We don't have any old churches like that one to go into. Our church was built in 1850 and while pretty...it doesn't have that grandeur. Of course God is still there!

[Wild Rose]

What a beautiful post Jane.

[Gumbo Lily]

Oh wonderful!
My daughter and I went to Salisbury Cathedral on our trip to England and were deeply moved by it too. We did not get to take in a worship service though. Maybe next time.

You are Loved -- by God!
Jody

[paige]

simply breathtaking!