My Cathedral

Ciao, everyone! I’ve just returned from an incredible trip to Italy! We spent the first three days in Rome and the last three days along the stunning southern coast. This trip was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of Rome’s rich history and grandeur, along with the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast, has left me with unforgettable memories that I will treasure for a lifetime.

During our visit to Rome, we explored the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, and both St. Paul and St. Peter’s Cathedrals, just to name a few. The wealth of riches and treasures on display was truly astounding. Everywhere I looked, there were stunning works of art, exquisite sculptures, and magnificent architecture. It was a breathtaking testament to humanity’s dedication to honoring God. And then we went to the Isle of Capri, where I got my mind truly blown.

While I appreciated the grandeur crafted by humans, nothing could compare to the incredible beauty that God created with mere water, rocks, and dirt. The exquisite scenery along the Mediterranean coast is unparalleled. I encountered lemons nearly the size of my head and witnessed the most stunning flowers blossoming on the cliffs. It truly defies description. Watching the sun rise over Mt. Vesuvius moved me to tears, and I couldn’t help but sing “The Goodness of God.”

While the beauty of Italy is undeniable, my connection to Jesus is unequivocally strongest in the simple sanctuary of my front porch—my personal cathedral. Each morning, as I sit with a dog nestled in my lap, I bear witness to the magnificent display my Heavenly Father creates right before me. Birds fill the air with songs of praise, celebrating their King, while my flowers push through the dirt with determination, poised to reveal their vibrant colors. This is where I feel His presence most profoundly. In that sacred space, amidst the ordinary, I find a deeper connection to my faith than I have ever experienced elsewhere.

David, known as a man after God’s own heart, wrote in Psalms that “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” This suggests that David was expressing gratitude to his Creator for the life he had received. Although David did not lead a trouble-free life—often facing battles and navigating intrigue—he maintained a constant awareness of God. While tending to his sheep, he composed Psalm 23, which describes lying down in green pastures and drinking from still waters. David lived his life with a keen observation of God’s goodness everywhere around him.

I traveled halfway around the world only to realize that my front porch is just as beautiful to me as Italy. Despite all the stunning sights I encountered, I am still living my best life right here, where I feel most connected to my Savior. Sitting outside in the morning, I recognize that the Holy Spirit is the breeze on my face, and the song in my heart is placed there by Jesus. The boundary lines have indeed fallen in pleasant places for me. I believe they have for you too, if you simply take a moment to be still and appreciate the beauty of His creation.