Written by *Don’t miss the pictures in this post.
From my outdoor table on the market square, I watched the world go by. Not the whole world, mind you, just the people of Como, Italy. As I sipped my cappuccino, I watched elegant women bicycling past—some in stilettos, others wearing well-made leather loafers, and some in glittery platform sneakers; there wasn’t a hint of lycra in sight. As I listened to the table of smartly dressed men next to me chatting away over tiny cups of espresso, I was reminded of why we embarked on our 13th trip to Italy: I love it here.
Of course, it’s not just the sport of people watching that pulls me in: Italian food, architecture, and culture all contribute to the appeal. I love the fact that no one is in a rush to finish a meal here—well, apart from the commuters downing shots of espresso and pastry while standing at the local cafe. Meals usually are long, but not because the portions are big. In Italy, conversation is every bit as much a part of a meal as the food. In fact, I would argue it’s more important.
Our first dinner in Como lasted just under three hours, and that’s the way I like it. No one is rushing us through our courses to turn the table for other diners. There is an expectation that freshly prepared food takes time, as does making memories with friends. Sharing a meal without phones or time constraints is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves and others.
Italians get this.
I do too.
This is my happy place.
In Italy, beauty is never far away.
-It’s on the bakery shelves…
-on the ceiling of churches…
-in elegant men on the train…
-and on the faces of laughing teens walking arm in arm down the cobblestoned street.
There’s something about this place that brings out the best in me.
Italy connects me to heaven…
God’s beauty, and creativity are reflected almost everywhere I go.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” (Romans 1:20)
Although I try to live from the perspective that God is present everywhere—in the majesty of creation and in the hearts and minds of other people—if I’m not careful, familiarity with my daily routine can cause me to forget this.
I wonder if this is true for you?
However, when we step into the unusual—Italy or not—we have the opportunity to experience the creativity and unmatched brilliance of God in the people and places we encounter. That is why I like to travel.
Traveling—even if it’s to another town—is a great way to look for God with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective. Sometimes it may be the best way to connect with God, paticularly when He feels distant.
How do you connect with God?
If you are a person of faith, I have no doubt that you’ve tried praying or reading scripture when you need to connect with God.
It makes sense to do this.
However, I have found that when we step outside of our ordinary life, we create the opportunity to experience God afresh.
How?
Try looking for Him in nature…
Now may God give you of the dew of heaven,
And of the fatness of the earth,
And an abundance of grain and new wine (Gen 27:28)
…Or the church tower’s bells ringing in the distance…
…Or in the face of your server at dinner…
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
(Gen 1:27)
He’s there.
I promise.
I encouage you to open your eyes and look…
Dear reader: I write this post from Italy; one week into a two week trip. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve teared up as I encountered God’s presence in the extraordinary brilliance of Italy. Indeed, this is a special place.
I want to emphasize, however, that you don’t need to come to Italy to find God. I’ve seen Him in the father reading to his young daughter on the train and in the whimsie of the art in my hotel. I’ve encountered His goodness in the kindness of strangers. The list goes on…
I pray that your eyes are opened too.
Be on the lookout, because once you begin to look for Him, He’s hard to miss.
Please share where you have seen Him recently. 👇🏻