The Chapel By The Side Of The Road

I do a lot of traveling as part of my job and I get to see strange, wonderful and different things wherever I go. There is a rest area in Ohio that has a small chapel over on the far side away from the visitors’ center. It is a small white chapel and the sign out front says it is “The Healing Chapel – Ohio’s Smallest Church”. It is just a simple country church, seating for eight, and has a large painting of the crucified Christ at the front. There is no pastor, no services, no music. It is just a place for people to pause in their journey and spend a few quiet moments talking to God. If you search on the Internet, you can find the story of how it came to be as a result of the faith of a Christian couple.

What makes it unique is that it is just a plain white chapel, nothing fancy. We are so used to our large churches, with a priest or minister, rousing, motivational sermons, and good music, that the idea of something quiet and peaceful as a place to pray and talk to God seems very strange. It is also a welcome change from all of the normal. It is a chance to sit or kneel and just spend time praying or just being in God’s presence. Yes, I know you can take time out of your day and find a quiet corner of your house or drop into your church for a few minutes. The problem with that is there is the reality of all of the distractions in your house to interrupt you. As for finding your church or any church during the day when services are not being held, good luck. Most of the time the doors are locked and there is no way to get in to pray. Instead of spending a few minutes praying, you will most likely spend them checking each of the doors to see if they are all locked and then walking away in frustration.

Do you need to find a small white country chapel by the side of the road to get away from everything and have a simple few minutes with God? No, you don’t. Look for a small park or something similar where there is peace and quiet. Leave your cell phone in the car and walk or sit or kneel in the grass and just talk to God as you would a best friend. You do know that is exactly who he is, right? Take the time, make the time, and find a little peace in the middle of your day. May God’s peace be with you and follow you always.