The Lion Cafe

If you have been dreaming of the perfect place to relax this spring, consider this: In Tokyo's Shibuya district, the 98-year old Lion Cafe is decorated in a European Baroque style with dark wood, carved reliefs, and seats that all face forward, discouraging conversation and encouraging visitors to listen to the more than 10,000 classical vinyl records and CDs that fill the two-story-high front wall. Cell phones are forbidden, and customers are encouraged to request classical pieces from the store's collection.

According to Naoya Yamadera, current manager of the Lion Cafe and son of Yanosuke Yamadera, who built the original cafe in 1926, the seats all face forward in the dimly lit room in order to allow for a more realistic concert experience: "It was designed to immerse you in the image of listening to an orchestral performance," he said.

The cafe has changed very little over the years, and Yamadera believes that is part of its charm. Some of the cafe's oldest customers have been visiting for more than six decades, and in recent years, the Lion Cafe has grown increasingly more popular: "There are quite a lot of newcomers," Yamadera said, including visitors from Europe and around the world. "Many people are not familiar with classical music, so I'd like them to get used to it in places like here."

As you ponder the familiar rhythms of such verses as Psalm 23:1-3, have you ever thought of placing yourself in a dimly lit room filled with classical music?

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
    he refreshes my soul.

The Lord refreshes our souls in so many unique and enduring ways, Friends. Be wary of overlooking those moments as you seek a deeper valley that may not even be what the Lord is calling you to. How will you allow him to refresh your soul today?