Peace is Found in El Lugar Secreto
Have you been to el lugar secreto? Ten years ago, the day after my Sweetheart’s funeral, I flew to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to spend Thanksgiving with my son and his family. It was the perfect place of beauty and tranquility to refresh and revive me and remember the man I loved so dearly. I woke at 5 am each morning to walk the beach and then sit in the cleft of the rock formations as I enjoyed the magnificent sunrise on the crashing waves. How sweet was the presence of my loving Heavenly Father – especially as He restored my soul, for it had been in the valley of the shadow of death for many months.
And if that serene place wasn’t enough to soothe and comfort me, the exciting deep-sea expedition that my son planned for me and his two boys filled me with exhilaration beyond compare. According to grieving support specialists, the standard operating procedures aka the rules of engagement for a new widow or widower is to let them find their own way to healing. I was supposed to be a grieving widow, but that morning I was giddy and excited about this grand adventure. I just knew my sweet husband, who loved to fish – now living on heaven’s side, probably orchestrated this whole thing. He would want me free of pain, worry and sorrow, and while I was casting for a whopper, he would want me casting my cares as well.
Lobo, the captain of our boat, told me he was taking us to el lugar secreto (the secret place) to find the fish. He did. Reeling in the Mahi Mahi, shown in the photo, was a thrill of a lifetime for me. And I’m sure it was God and my man’s plan to give me such a sweet victory.
Like Lobo taking us to “the secret fishing place”, I continue to live daily in the secret place. You will find me there most of the time, except for when I forget where I live. But, God’s watchful eye and tender loving care seems to always draw me back in. It’s been my place of peace, comfort, and joy for ten years now. Psalm 91:1,2 says — “He who dwells in the SECRET PLACE of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'” Why shouldn’t I have felt this peace for these ten years? God promised it to me if I would live in that place. It’s a choice I purpose to make daily.
In John 14:27, Jesus said, “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.” I carry on as I press on to my finish line — cherishing the memories, the sweetness of loving and being loved, choosing to be care-free and unafraid — and daily living in el lugar secreto! I highly recommend el lugar secreto! Won’t you join me there?