Note: click photo for a larger view. ©2014, David A. Porter

If you read about the life and times of Jesus Christ, you’ll find that he often slipped away to what the Bible calls a “lonely place”.   If you look at the original Greek language that the Bible was written in, you will find that Bible translators have translated “lonely place” from the Greek words “eremos topos”.

In the Greek, “eremos” means “isolated, solitary, or lonely place”, while “topos” has to do with a physical place or location.  In other words, Jesus had a special place that he would retreat to when he felt the need to be alone, pray, or simply to get away from the pressing crowds.

Even today, our post-modern culture finds great value in having a special hiding place where we can reflect, unwind, and relax.

In Arizona today, it was quite apparent that we have broken through the hot summer season and rather abruptly stepped into our beautiful fall season.  Temperatures have been hovering in and around the low 100s, while today they suddenly dropped to the low 80s.

When we noticed this, I felt a strong desire to go to our Eromos Topos.  You see, Carol and I have a specific place in the Tonto National Forest that we call our own.  It’s our Eremos Topos.  It’s where we go to simply relax, drink in the beauty of creation, feel the cool breeze on our faces, silently pray, and together find a healing for our souls that only such a place can bring.

Do you have an eremos topos?  Even if you’re not the praying sort, I would encourage you to scout out your own special hiding place.  It’s really good for the soul! 🙂
 
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