A Quiet Place

Keith took a day off last week for prayer and reflection and went to a wonderful Bed and Breakfast run by good friends and members of our church, Brian and Tina Miller.

The Inn at Timber Cove keeps the Millers hopping from May through October. During their slow season they graciously share their peace and quiet with us.

Guests stay in one of their four charming cottages. Breakfast is brought to the cottages in the morning.

Keith so thoroughly enjoyed his day of rest that he wanted me to take a day off this week. 

I didn't blink, I didn't argue. I agreed before he had a chance to change his mind.

I had a blissful 23 hours away from home.

The most peaceful place in Ashland

Oh wait, wrong season. 

Picture it with a foot of snow

and no leaves on the trees, like this

My favorite cottage is the summer kitchen.

I was greeted by the porch light on, white Christmas lights in the green bush by the left front window, and a fire in the cute little gas fireplace. 

The picture's angle makes this room look bigger than it is.  The colors are soft and muted, the decor simple and uncluttered, and the overall effect is warm and welcoming. 

Since the buildings are over 100 years old, the Millers have embraced the oldness. This is a close-up of the eating nook.

A little peek out at the peaceful woods

Tina stenciled Psalms 4:8 on the rustic headboard - I will lie down and sleep in peace for God makes me dwell in safety.

I appreciated the big blanket of quiet. Quiet calms and levels my soul. I don’t get much quiet at my house. Between family, pet, neighborhood, and traffic noise, peaceful is hard to come by. 

Late at night I sat by the big picture window and looked out over a white meadow, the luminous full moon lighting ice-covered branches that cast dramatic shadows onto the glistening snow. 

I soaked up the soothing silence. I relaxed in the solitude and let down my guard. In this calm place of refuge no one needs me for anything. Nothing here is my responsibility.

I retreat.

Refresh.

Recharge.

Thanks Brian and Tina for your generosity and gift of hospitality. Thanks Keith for arranging this. And thanks girls for not killing each other while I was gone.