I go to the doctor’s office often, and no matter the reason—even if it’s just an annual checkup—a layer of nervousness always settles over me. This same familiar reluctance follows me into every new situation, whether I’m walking into a new room or preparing to discuss one of my books with a group. I often admire people who seem instantly at ease, but I’m naturally a corner-seeker, waiting patiently until I’ve gotten the lay of the land. There is one powerful exception to this personal quirk: entering a church. In that sacred space, especially if it’s empty, my internal hesitancy vanishes. I love to find a quiet back pew and converse with God, eschewing the pre-service socializing. I believe God is everywhere, ready to talk at any hour, yet certain places are dedicated to reverence. For me, the church is a sanctuary not just for faith, but for attention—a rare place where my focus shifts entirely outward, away from my usual self-consciousness, allowing me to finally be at ease.

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