“Come on in” she said, “I’ll give you shelter from the storm.”
-Bob Dylan


We all know the woman in this song is not simply offering a break from the rain. What she is offering the weary soul is a respite from the trials and tribulations of life. Likewise, the shelter we all seek is not just protection from the elements but a safe haven for our souls and emotions. No mater what our backgrounds we all seek the same refuge. Due to our dual natures, the physical and the spiritual, we seek comfort for both our bodies and our souls. I get my physical and emotional comfort from my loving relationship with my wife and family while my spiritual comfort is sought from, and sustained by, my relationship with God through His teachings as brought to us by the Divine Physician, the Prophet-Founder of The Baha’I Faith Baha’u’llah.

No matter what struggles I deal with on a given day I know I can come home to the unconditional love and emotional support of my wife. But, when the day gives me more than what I feel I can handle on my own I seek the comfort of the Holy Writings by either reading from the tablets of Baha’u’llah, or the speeches of His son ‘Abdul-Baha and the prayers revealed by the Central Figures of the Faith. Following is a prayer revealed by Baha’u’llah that fits well with this months topic.

I have wakened in Thy shelter, O my God, and it becometh him that seeketh that shelter to abide within the Sanctuary of Thy protection and the Stronghold of Thy defense. Illumine my inner being, O my Lord, with the splendors of the Dayspring of Thy Revelation, even as thou didst illumine my outer being with the morning light of Thy favor.

May the physical shelter you seek be warm and welcoming and always remember that the spiritual shelter of God’s love and bounty is ever available, never withheld.

Until next time, be blessed and at peace always.

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