Three years ago today, I was in Italy. While the entire trip was a life shifting time, my two weekend getaways were in particularly moving. This weekend, I had booked the train and hotel planning to go to Assisi on my own. But, I decided to make an announcement to other folks studying at Centro Pro Unione, as I was. Praise the Lord I did. Five adventurers decided to join me on the journey and thank goodness they did. I had no clue what I was doing!
Some in the group that accompanied me had traveled in Italy before. I meet them at Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome. These folks got me on the correct train (guess who was waiting in the wrong area?!) and had researched Assisi and had a tentative plan on what we might visit. In addition, a few were fluent in Spanish which worked well enough for us to get a few taxis and navigate through the city.
Now, I can be a bit of a control “Angel” (don’t like the word freak: for other people or myself). I typically like to have everything planned out and usually want to follow my own agenda. This Saturday, I had to give up control as I realized that letting others take the lead would result in a much better adventure. And, it did.
By stepping back, I was able to experience the peace that St. Francis talked about and lived out in his life. It is the peace that comes from holy prayer and devotion. Yes, I did spend time that day in silent devotion at the Basilica and San Damiano. But my prayer was also embracing every moment and feeling appreciation and gratitude in every step (and there were a lot taken) I walked that day. It was looking at other travelers from all over the world and with many different beliefs, coming together to explore this special place. It was sitting down for a quiet dinner (my journey mates returned to Rome), looking out over the horizon, and feeling a connection to all of humankind past and present. My soul was singing, “Oh Lord, my God, how great thou art!”
Are there places in your life where you can step back? Can you let go of pre-conceived notions and just allow life to happen?
My prayer for you is that you can find a path this next week or month, where you can follow what God has put in front of you. That you may find, like St. Francis, peace in prayer and devotion…whatever that looks like. Blessings!
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