As I mentioned in my earlier post, Clinton’s parents treated us to a trip to Italy and France (actually we just got back yesterday!) It has been a time to get to know the inner workings of the Simmons family, as well as experience amazing sights, delicious food, and….because of the time of year….extreme heat (=
We visited the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, The Statue of David; as well as seen paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and many others. But there’s one thing that I saw that wasn’t particularly grand or by someone famous, but yet it was still so powerful. It was in the Vatican Museum.
While a lot of what I’ve written in these first couple posts have dealt with saying goodbye and dealing with change….I continue to seek out a feeling of peace. I get very caught up in the stresses of this move and the checklist that needs to be taken care of, but looking at this image conveyed a meaningful message.
“The Lord is my shepherd”
What greater way to feel at peace than to remind ourselves that God is in control. That we like sheep are small, weak, imperfect….and yet we have someone greater and more knowledgeable than we could ever dream of who is looking out for us. He not only guides us but he comforts and cares for us.
I’m reminded of a sermon I heard recently at the beach service in Connecticut. The pastor was speaking on how insane it is to think about the universe and all its complexities. How God created something of such magnitude and here I am, one small, insignificant speck. Yet God knows me. This image reminds me of the frailty of life….the image of Jesus cradling the sheep. Something little and relatively unimportant and yet sought after and cared for.
It’s breathtaking to see such sights and powerful to reflect on them too. I am thankful for this experience and the chance to spend time with Clinton’s family before we leave.
