We’re in Edinburgh, Scotland. Because of it I thought I’d say something pertinent to that. And we’re still in Ecclesiastes, so I wanted to say something pertinent to that, too. But what?
First, though, I must confess my utter surprise at what I saw today. And with that, my utter lack of knowledge of what I might see.
It was our first time to Scotland. I’d been told its beauty is legendary, and many told us to see Edinburgh. But nobody told us why.
Sure enough, we drove through majestic countryside occasioned with charming structures and sheep dotted hillsides. Then we hit Edinburgh and promptly got lost. Before we finally found our destination we saw a lot of what seemed like a nice but not that extraordinary a city. We checked into our lodgings and ventured out on foot.
We headed toward the castle thinking that might be quaint. Wow, was I overblown! What we saw was not only magnificent; it was over the top colossal, huge, spread out, and full of history. And the whole area was full of people. Tourists from everywhere crowed the streets. It was another message to me about how little I knew that others apparently did!
In the end it was my own naiveté that struck me as the thing most amazing.
To take in as much as we could in our limited time, we hopped on a tour bus. Double decker, with guide, in English (well, Scottish). My amazement continued, now with how much history has taken place in these precincts and again by how little I’ve known of it. And that’s with me loving history!
It was a great day, taking in sights, marveling, hearing about all the exploits that had gone before, wise and foolish. But what to equate it with in terms of Ecclesiastes?
Vanity?
“Vanity, vanity,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity.”*
Sorry. That’s all that came to mind. It’s a summary of the human state, before and present. But I must confess I love it all. Don’t know what that says about me, but today we’re going back for more. After that I’ll get a book.
There’s so much vanity to know.
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*Ecclesiastes 1:2
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
5:28 am
Just awoke to this message! Looks and sounds incredible! Miss you both! Have a great time!
5:46 am
I spent three years in Great Britain while performing my duties in the Air Force. I took every opportunity to tour the countryside. Castles, museums, etc., it always seemed to me like I was at a Disney theme park. I would love to take Liz back sometime. So much to see and learn. Enjoy & Blessings!!
8:44 am
We toured Hearst Castle a few years ago, or at least did the garden tour. It was amazing. The animals and art that he collected and built up at the end of his life. It was clearly all vanity, but I’m with you. He couldn’t take it with him or enjoy seeing following generations enjoy his work (or be saddened when it all goes away) – still, I was grateful and happy to enjoy his remarkable, vain work.
8:59 am
I read your comments this morning and they made me smile. Smiling is a key reaction that tells me that I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I must read up on Scotland for my own vanity.
Be safe.
9:41 am
Enjoying the present moment, with grateful heart, even with a lot of stuff, seems fine. Even a delight to God, the provider of all things. Yet, to collect, keep to oneself, and violate innocent others for the sake of holding on to it … well, like you say, there’s history for you.
So, enjoy the moment, Hyatt! Miss you guys here across the pond, watching the Oly festivities and thinking of you being not that far away.
10:19 am
Lived in England just shy of two years. Toured many a castle and historic site, but it was the beautiful countryside that captured our hearts, the remove little villages and the people living in them, not the tourists. We’ve visited multiple times since moving back stateside; love the country, love the people. Enjoy it all….
12:51 pm
Alas, it’s good to know that you are human, funny and capable of being wowed just like the rest of us. Up till now I thought you were(only) a talented artist, a really good writer, spiritual leader, etc. Aha, the canvas is opening up. Yay. Have a wonderful time. Edinburgh was on House Hunter’s Int. a few weeks ago.
5:59 pm
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH great Hyatt!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad you are being Wowed!!!!!!!!!!!! That makes me smile too! It is such a blessing to be able to see all God’s beauty in so many forms and to be able to share it with loved ones! You are being blessed by this feast for your eyes! Maybe some new inspirations for pictures to paint when you return? Enjoy! Best! Lisa
7:15 pm
So glad you and Anne are enjoying yourselves! I miss you both. It was nice to hear a little about your trip.