Out for a walk in Valdilecha, the small Spanish town we’re staying in between road trips beyond. Reminiscent of another trip, 43 years, five children, 15 grandchildren, and many trips ago. Still, all things are continually new.
Here’s another installment in the travelogue . . . not so much of Spain, but of life.
For whatever reason, the hours in the car driving across the countryside are reminiscent of that surprisingly significant trip into deep Mexico in 1970. That’s when, through circumstances I’d never seen leading to it, I discovered the reality and love of God, and turned myself in.
After that everything changed. Starting with Anne’s and my conversations in the car. I suddenly had a new set of eyes and reality had a whole new look. That was 43 years ago and one would think the new life is well seasoned by now, and maybe quieter.
Maybe.
On the other hand, we’re dealing with things of infinite measure . . . there’s no plumbing them, no reaching their apex, no finding their end. Conversely, it’s always only beginning, with me sobered again both by what there is to know and the grandeur of which I’ve not truly grasped, and never will.
What this has to do with driving across a countryside in a car with Anne, I can’t say. Reading is part of it, before and now.* And letting the mind just contemplate. And trying to articulate.
Gaudi saw it. Inscribed on one of his church walls are what he called the three large questions with which we all have to deal. Summarized, they are: Who are we? What are we here to do? What happens to us after?
Happily we are not left without answers. And as the answers are revealed, the wonder starts all over again.
Sorry, trying to describe these pearls of great price here in small space not only does them injustice, it is impossible. Suffice to say that the overall effect is that everything else pales in both interest and value.
Let me put that in caps so you won’t skim by it too fast: EVERYTHING ELSE PALES . . . IN BOTH INTEREST AND VALUE.
And these things, to which I’m comparing, are invisible!
So it is with this world traveler, whose traveling interests are as ever wonderfully appreciative of all things visible . . . just all the more of things beneath the surface.
Without that, there’s nothing. With, everything.
I hope you can relate.
Back to traveling.
____________________
* Current authors include Vegh (recently published), Graham (1970’s), Stalker (1850’s), Matthew Henry (1700’s), Paul (1st century), Qoheleth (3rd century B.C.), all rich.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
2:00 pm
Hyatt,
If you still have time for some cool day trips that arent too far away by car, you might consider going to Toledo, Avila, Segovia and Salamanca. Every part of Spain is unique and rich in history, culture, art, food, people and wonderful to explore. I hope you made it to Picasso’s home,now museum in Barcelona and down Avenida Diagonal where there are some cool buildings designed by Gaudi.
I am enjoying your photos and reports from Spain.
Thanks for sharing.
Jim
2:06 pm
All three of those great questions force us to look upwards beyond our own horizon. Thanks for the reminder!
4:15 pm
What a picture that would make of you/Ann on the bench in front of the old wall.
Blessings on the rest of your fascinating trip.
5:59 pm
Agree, the invisible is tough to find words for. Sometimes I think that’s what drives us to the arts. God has gifted mankind with words but sometimes they fail us. Glad you are connecting.
For every answer there are more questions.
Also am admiring the wall behind you in your picture. Could easily be a jumping off point for a painting.
9:25 pm
I would like you to know that I relate, Hyatt. And Anne.
And I wonder who took the photo, and whether the curtain in the doorway is chain-link or shower curtain, and where it leads, and whether the bench is new or old and who waters the potted plants and why our houses and buildings are not allowed to age as beautifully as the one you sit beside so peacefully.
Also, what might sooner or later be painted or printed as inspired by this most precious image of the two of you.
Thank God the pearls do not pale.
9:37 am
I love your observations. If I recall, someone in the Old Testament said, “Truly, God was in this place, and I did not see it.” Then, eyes were opened, and everything changed. I think this is what we all want. A glimpse of the God-glory … it’s the field we would possess and sell all for, the pearl of great price. We are all pining for the unseen, the return to our Eden, that we might see God. The arts, along with nature, stir up these longings, leaving us with a hunger for more. “Show me Your glory” is a very fit phrase for the seeking soul. And a prayer God won’t ignore, the invite He’s waiting for.
11:28 am
Happy traveling to you both. Aren’t you pleased you turned yourself in so many years ago. Aren’t we all more rich day by day and year by year for having made this same choice? The pearls of great price you speak of not only give us insight into your life but also provide a power point for us to ponder the breath of God in our own.
9:31 am
[…] We based in Valdilecha, a town about half an hour outside of Madrid. This was due to the courtesy of friends Louis and Lisa Shanks, working here with the same organization Anne and I used to serve. They gave us the use of their flat while they were in the States, and their car! One can’t be richer than having loving friends. That’s us in town, out for a walk, in a photo posted in Blank Slate. […]