Yesterday we toured the Castle of Carrickferfergus. We explored dungeons. We played dress up with the medieval war clothes and pretended to fiercely attack each other. We learned of the men, women, and children who dwelled in this immense but dirty place.
To conclude our trip we all huddled up in the van to stay warm and dry and ate some “chips” from a dinner across the street. The weather was miserable. We hadn’t seen sunshine in days, and it wasn’t looking like we would anytime soon. As the rain poured down, our leaders asked us whether we would like to go to the Whitehead lighthouse. It would be a three-mile walk, and the weather was still fighting against us. Reluctantly, we ventured on.
Though the walk was by the sea, it was actually warmer outside due to the massive shield that lay at our side—a brilliant cliff that stood as high as you could see. The rain stopped, and jackets were slowly becoming a furnace. Walking alone the coastline, each breath was enriched with vitamins. The pure air with a slight hint of ocean breathe could heal any soul. Only a stone’s throw away was the spot, and then IT happened. Yes, the sun came out. We reached our beautiful lookout and sat in awe while being battered by the sun. This spot was breathtaking. The ocean stole my view for as far as I could see.
Though the walk was by the sea, it was actually warmer outside due to the massive shield that lay at our side—a brilliant cliff that stood as high as you could see. The rain stopped, and jackets were slowly becoming a furnace. Walking alone the coastline, each breath was enriched with vitamins. The pure air with a slight hint of ocean breathe could heal any soul. Only a stone’s throw away was the spot, and then IT happened. Yes, the sun came out. We reached our beautiful lookout and sat in awe while being battered by the sun. This spot was breathtaking. The ocean stole my view for as far as I could see.
Time stopped.
Indescribable beauty surrounded me. I wish I could have that feeling every moment of my life, feeling as if God was only an arm’s length away. Time was gracious. Creation was flaunting. Air was rich. Life was pure. Unfortunately, we had to leave this magnificent spot, but its brilliance will never be forgotten or taken for granted.
The next day we attended a Catholic church. As it was my first time to attend such a service, I was guilty in a constant curiosity. Incense surrounding me, bells going off, various people walking with hands folded. All so new.
I never thought I could really hear and feel God in such an atmosphere as I have always been a skeptic of all these practices. But then, a heard a song that will ring through my soul forever. A boys choir (ages 8-17) sang behind us to the sounds of the powerful organ. It was as if angels were present. Never in my life have I heard man sound so lovely. I could have listened to these young boys sing forever. Absolutely astounding.
After the service, one of our leaders explained all the symbolism in the church, and I couldn’t have been more impressed by the humility of the people and their practices. They had a respect for Christ and His death that I had never witnessed before. Tradition was used to be truly reverent to the One who gave His life for us. Christ gave His life for us, have you given Him your life in return? He is indescribably, undeniably good. He is so good.
I never thought I could really hear and feel God in such an atmosphere as I have always been a skeptic of all these practices. But then, a heard a song that will ring through my soul forever. A boys choir (ages 8-17) sang behind us to the sounds of the powerful organ. It was as if angels were present. Never in my life have I heard man sound so lovely. I could have listened to these young boys sing forever. Absolutely astounding.
After the service, one of our leaders explained all the symbolism in the church, and I couldn’t have been more impressed by the humility of the people and their practices. They had a respect for Christ and His death that I had never witnessed before. Tradition was used to be truly reverent to the One who gave His life for us. Christ gave His life for us, have you given Him your life in return? He is indescribably, undeniably good. He is so good.
No comments:
Post a Comment