Look Up
March 3rd, 2024
When was the last time you stop to looked up? At the stars, colorful sunsets, crafty architecture, tall trees, snow covered mountains… Good is the enemy of great, and while there are plenty of things at eye-level that are stunning and worth seeing, looking skyward is what really leaves us in awe.
I got to spend the past four days in Rome. My cousins are there for a vacation and let me tag along with them. It was an unforgettable weekend. We got to taste and see some of the most astonishing things. I’d been to Rome before, and remember being amazed, but this trip made me appreciate the ancient city even more. I love the mix of art and functionality, new and old.
As we were taking in all the sites, there were a couple times when my cousin would tap on my shoulder and point at the ceiling. Everything in your direct line of site is worth seeing, but it's almost a distraction from what's above: intricate paintings, skylight windows, gilded detailing, marble pillars holding everything up. It's like the architects and artists wanted it all to point to the heavens. Walking into any church, any building, you see the handiwork and skills of men, but it all declares the glory of God.
This week, before going to Rome, I got a bit overwhelmed (classic) by the things going on directly around me. Full days of class, interviewing for a job, meetings, figuring out internship plans for fall, and stormy weather on top of it all. I couldn’t see past my stressors and to-do lists. We can be so tunnel-visioned, so self-focused, that we forget to slow down and take a breath. We become so zoned-in on where our feet are, on how to make our next step, that we forget to look up and take in all that's going on around us.
This weekend reminded me to look up. To bask in the beauty and blessings.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.
James 1:17
Rome Highlights:
Spending time with my cousins, Kylee and Curtis. I really think I have the best family in the world. We had so much fun, they are so generous... When I grow up I want to be like them.
Exploring the sites! Churches, catacombs, monuments, fountains, parks... I feel like I will never see enough of Rome.
We got out of the city for a day and had a 4-course-wine-pairing-lunch. Wow wow wow. It was at a beautiful family winery and estate. If you visit Rome, you have to check out Santa Bernedetta Winery. Seriously the best food and wine ever!
Our driver to the countryside, Bruno, became an impromptu tour guide at a cute little lake town. He took us through a giant cellar that went under the street and connected multiple restaurants, while using my phone to film the whole tour. He then took it upon himself to become my personal photographer, giving me pose ideas and saying I'm too shy. He brought us to three dessert places (even though I was way too full after our lunch to enjoy any of the pastries he shoved at us). It was such a funny day.
Talking about food with an uber driver. He was born and raised in Rome and his favorite foods are Cacio e Pepe (with wine) and Margherita Pizza (with beer). The simpler, the better!
I hope today, you can take some time to slow down, look up, and take note of the good things going on in your life. The simple things and the miraculous things.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Psalm 34:8
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