Fears and Tears

It is easy to love God in all that was beautiful. The lessons of deeper knowledge, though, instructed me to love God in all things. St. Francis of Assisi

This past summer, while I was in Italy, I visited the city of Assisi, the home of St. Francis of Assisi.

Almost immediately upon entering this city, which is built high upon a hill, I felt that I was entering a sacred space. I was overcome with a feeling of great peace and love, a simplicity of years gone by that I was stepping into. It was as if time had stopped in this village.

St. Francis is the patron saint of Italy and is much beloved by the locals. I was in awe that I was walking where he walked, where he lived, where he played as a child, it was an incredible blessing.

Just being there beckoned me to enter more deeply into following the Lord in a profound way. It was and is a place of love and prayer, that lead one to turn one’s gaze to the heavens. For me, it was a “mountain top” experience where I felt the love of God in my body and soul.

Today, is the feast day of St. Francis, I pray that I follow the Lord’s call as he did, in the way that He calls me. And to love God in all things. Amen.

Remember when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received, only what you have given: a full heart, enriched in honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. St. Francis of Assisi