Post by thewisefarmer on Dec 18, 2017 9:48:17 GMT
GROTTO PETTING ZOO
Moving to Portland, Oregon to study more about Jesus thrilled my heart. My soul and love grew and I even acquired a little knowledge during the 3 years of training.
There were times, however, during my seminary training, that I felt the world crowding in around me and became overwhelmed with stress. Rivers, hills, fields and woods served as an oasis to my soul.
One of my favorite places to go was the "Grotto". The traffic, cement, hustle and bustle of life melted away in this holy oasis. Within just a few acres of indescribable beauty, there existed a peacefulness to refresh my soul. This place was especially wonderful at Christmas.
The chapel provided acoustics that could take away my very breath as I basked in the holiday concert music. Lights on the trees and the quiet calm of the setting provided a humble reverence. The natural rock grotto, that God himself had carved into the cliff, seemed such a fitting place for the baby Jesus, for this is where the holy family figures were housed.
There also was a petting zoo. Peter-John loved the Bible animals that gave life to the season.
There was....a lamb, soft and gentle. The cow, an animal that gives us nourishment of life. The camel, that serves with great endurance with little need for itself. A dove, that carries God's peace to every soul.
Peter-John's favorite was the donkey. Big soft ears to listen to the Lord. Long fur that felt warm on a cold evening. A bray that delightfully echoed joy. A tail that flicked with excitement at the season where people came to touch the real meaning of Christmas. The markings of a cross on his back that were etched with the knowledge that the work of serving also has a painful price.
The donkey pawed at the ground and the child in my arms reached out and touched the big ear. With a gentle sweet look of awe, laughter squeaked out of my son. The donkey kissed Peter-John with humble kindness.
The animals all seemed to understand, Christmas was the babe. For just like the babe of long ago, the babe that was among them completed the living memory.
I kissed my son and looked up toward heaven. The stars seemed to sparkle a little brighter that night.
Moving to Portland, Oregon to study more about Jesus thrilled my heart. My soul and love grew and I even acquired a little knowledge during the 3 years of training.
There were times, however, during my seminary training, that I felt the world crowding in around me and became overwhelmed with stress. Rivers, hills, fields and woods served as an oasis to my soul.
One of my favorite places to go was the "Grotto". The traffic, cement, hustle and bustle of life melted away in this holy oasis. Within just a few acres of indescribable beauty, there existed a peacefulness to refresh my soul. This place was especially wonderful at Christmas.
The chapel provided acoustics that could take away my very breath as I basked in the holiday concert music. Lights on the trees and the quiet calm of the setting provided a humble reverence. The natural rock grotto, that God himself had carved into the cliff, seemed such a fitting place for the baby Jesus, for this is where the holy family figures were housed.
There also was a petting zoo. Peter-John loved the Bible animals that gave life to the season.
There was....a lamb, soft and gentle. The cow, an animal that gives us nourishment of life. The camel, that serves with great endurance with little need for itself. A dove, that carries God's peace to every soul.
Peter-John's favorite was the donkey. Big soft ears to listen to the Lord. Long fur that felt warm on a cold evening. A bray that delightfully echoed joy. A tail that flicked with excitement at the season where people came to touch the real meaning of Christmas. The markings of a cross on his back that were etched with the knowledge that the work of serving also has a painful price.
The donkey pawed at the ground and the child in my arms reached out and touched the big ear. With a gentle sweet look of awe, laughter squeaked out of my son. The donkey kissed Peter-John with humble kindness.
The animals all seemed to understand, Christmas was the babe. For just like the babe of long ago, the babe that was among them completed the living memory.
I kissed my son and looked up toward heaven. The stars seemed to sparkle a little brighter that night.
