During our summer vacation this year, we had the privilege to go to three unique cities: Amsterdam, Delft, and Paris. During my time in these cities, there were plenty of spaces that I entered that felt holy for one reason or another. Whether if it was “Our Lord in the Attic” church in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank house, or finally seeing the inside of Notre Dame, it truly gave an experience that is hard to capture into words. Of course, the two churches structures that I mentioned have a semblance of holiness to them. They are houses of worship. Whether I simply saw the history, beauty, and splendor of the buildings, or experienced the way life worked for the worshippers therein, it shows just how connected the sacred and the secular can be.

The Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank house also present holiness, albeit in different ways. They are places we set apart for one reason or another. A place where people can appreciate the works of art at the Rijksmuseum or take on the solemnity of Anne Frank house into their person. These types of places give us ways to start discussions with one another. To confront hard topics. To experience, joy, pain, sorrow, elation, or calm. Holiness is not simply confined to the church. Yet, we humans continue to set aside places for different activities and to create different social environments all the time. There is a beautiful sentiment to this. Even to go on vacation itself is something I would define as holy due to its nature of rest and the ability to step outside of what we may become familiar with.

I bring all of this up today to simply leave you with one question as the summer starts. Where do you experience holiness in your life? Maybe it’s a special place, a time of day, a practice you do, or something else entirely. No matter what you answer, know that at any time and in any moment, there is always a hint of holiness attached to the reality that you are living right now. Even in the greatest of boredom or the bleakest of sorrows. Holiness is not something that we can create at all times, but it is instead something that follows us and shows us the love of God for us in every moment possible. Whether you feel it or not, know that God goes with you through Christ’s love and the Holy Spirit each day. God bless you this summer!

Pastor Evan Meester, July 2026