Ephesus speaks to me on so many different levels. I love history and here the depth of the past is astounding. Everywhere I look, I imagine ancient people living their lives much as I do. I can feel their presence. I envision these stones telling their many stories. I am happy to see that we are listening by preserving these ruins. Experts work endless hours to bring this town of antiquity back to life.
On another level, Biblical men and women strolled the stone passageways. Apostle Paul walked the same streets I am walking. He greeted others as he made his way to the theater where ultimately, merchants, angered at his stance of their god Artemis threw him out of the city. I sit quietly on one of the theater’s seats and look down on the stage. I can almost see this scenario being played out in front of my eyes. I picture Paul taking on these angry men in the name of Jesus and his courage amazes me. He does not back down and consequently; he is escorted to the city gate and thrown out. His calm demeanor humbles me. He stands up for his faith when most would back down. Can I do the same?
My traveling companions whom I have grown to know during our trip add another dimension to my experience. Sometimes I travel alone and other times I am with a group or a few friends. Being with a group of friends here seems right and their enthusiasm and perceptions add to my understanding of this unique site. In his writings, Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of Christian friends in life’s journey. Our group has become cohesive as we walk many ruins together. We have gotten “to know each other from the inside out”(Frederick Buechner). Our Turkish tour guide and our priest, Dr. Peter Moore from St. Michael’s have prepared us intellectually for what we are seeing. What no one can prepare me for is the complexity of my feelings when I reach out and touch the past. Wisdom is gained and I come away richer for the journey.
One particular companion on our trip had been a woman, whom I have grown to esteem. She was elderly by the standards of the world, but to all of us, she was the life of the party. While others of her age were in nursing homes, she was traveling the world, experiencing all life has to offer. I have always been drawn to older women who live outside the box, who take what life has dealt them and then define it for themselves. Her deep-seated faith had enabled her to weather the deaths of her second husband and daughter within a year of our trip and yet here she was with us, making the most of her last years. She was an inspiration to all of us.
As a teenager, she sang for the WWII troops overseas. Many evenings on our trip, we stood by the piano and sang along with her. She had a spark I rarely see and we were drawn to her and her story. She didn’t speak of her faith unless you questioned her. Instead she lived it and what a powerful example she exemplified.
Last week, I heard of her death. I am not sad in the way you may think. She lived a very full life and made every second count. I mourn her because the world is not the same without her. She was truly one of a kind. What I want to gain from knowing her is the courage to be who I am, always. And to embrace and cherish every day! To draw deep into my faith during hard times. And to love life and forever be up for an adventure! I find it hard to think of her passing up even one OIALO - Once In a Lifetime Opportunities. And thus I want to be just like her when I grow up.
Barbara Stevenson of Long Island, NY and Vero/Jupiter Beach, Florida, we will miss your radiant spirit! You will not be forgotten. We know heaven is brighter with your presence. God has said well-done, good and faithful daughter. Welcome home. We wish you God speed.
No comments:
Post a Comment