I am waking up this morning at Caitlan's brother's apartment in London...not quite the typical Easter Sunday I have ever had before, but of course the past 3 months have been anything but typical.
I have had a wonderful week with my parents. The weather was simply amazing all week. Belgium is one now making my list for one of the most beautiful places in the world.- and I can't imagine a better way to have spent Holy Week, a reflection on the sacrifice of my Saviour, than by retracing the steps of my Grandfather during the WWII Battle of Ardennes at Bastogne. He was my age-about 22- and he was fortunate to have endured the bitter cold with little supplies they had that December. I think of how much stronger and driven-how much greater the physical pain he endured- just at the age of 22 than I may ever come to meet. It is hard to imagine really.....of course it is- because it should a bit unnatural to want to think of such real suffering or sacrifice beyond hollywood's creations.....
....it leads me this Easter to reflect on Christ's suffering in a new way...I know that his death and the torture he endured was far greater than anything my grandfather encountered for me, his future generation.... So- if I know that I cannot fully realize what a soldier went through 60 years ago, how much greater is my inability to imagine just how immense the pain, the sacrifice, the blessing for me by Christ?
Last night I attented an Easter vigil at St. Paul's Cathedral, here in London. It was magnificent. And while the painting I was sitting by in the church evoked emotions towards the suffering of Christ on the cross, I couldn't help but share the joy and countless "Alleluias" in a crowd of hundreds celebrating his resurrection and life.
To know that I am a part of a body that extends across the oceans..whether within one of the oldest,most architecturally celebrated churches in history or perhaps a basement floor hideaway...a body that connects me with past generations-beyond that of my grandfather even....that is certainly a blessing.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Blessings on Easter
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I just finished visiting with your mom, dad, and sister today. Your mom was her usual giddy self and was very excited to have just returned from visiting you. She gave me your blog address so here I am ready to bestow a little truth and wisdom.
I have taken the grand tour of your blog page here and it is fantastic. Very creative and organized and well versed for someone from Kentucky. ;-)Your pictures of Espana brought back fond memories of tapas and vino. From your posts I would say that you had as much fun there as I did.
I am very happy to hear that you are taking advantage of your situation by travelling around and getting the full effect of all that Europe has to offer. It is hard to imagine (unless you have been there) the extent of the history they have compared to the U.S. From the major differences such as the architecture and the culture to the minor differences of calling fries "chips", you are experiencing that which many do not get a chance to experience. Soak it all in, for one day, you will look back on it and the memory will bring a smile to your face. Have fun and remember that we are all very proud and envious of you.
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