I tend to fall into the category of being a planner. I love the structure of filling in a calendar with appointments and creating daily “to do” lists. But in the area of travel, as much as I read travel guides and have long columns of items that are a “must see”, I leave myself open to entering mysterious gates that beckon me.
By now you may have surmised that I have a certain fondness for visiting churches. For me ancient churches provide a glimpse into what life may have been like for its long ago village inhabitants.
In the town of Baux, in the same church square as the Chapelle Des Penitents, sits another church: Eglise Saint-Vincent des Baux-de-Provence. The southern section of this 12th-century building is built right into the side of a rocky mountain.
Like many churches built during this era the interior is dark and mysterious. There are three naves, with a main focus on the Madonna and Child.
I stood in awe of the beauty that was created from a jagged terrain with simple tools.
I never fail to be amazed at the ingenuity of the construction of ribbed barrel vaulted ceilings.
Although I understand the construction processes used during the dark ages it still remains somewhat of a mystery to me. Much like life.
A long ago craftsman created beauty with simple tools and stone. Did he know at the time that his hands were creating such longstanding beauty? He may have hoped, as many of us often do, that a small piece of him would become immortal.
Even relatively modern stained-glass windows, created by master Max Ingrand in 1960, are now over 50 years old. They were given by Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Both men, now gone, have left beautiful reminders of their presence.
My own life is really mysterious right now. Every day Mr. Décor will tell me “Today I applied for a job in….. New York, Texas, Virginia, England, Finland….”
I know my life will soon be changing and I have no idea in what direction. The planner in me sometimes wants to get a bit panicked. But rather than allow myself to become crazy in an area of my life over which I have no control I simply try to focus on creating and finding beauty in the everyday.
Are you creating beauty today?
Laura
Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.” ~ Matthew 13:11
This church is so beautiful and the craftmanship of those early builders always amazes me. Prayers still going for that perfect job.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Amazing what beauty was created long ago with very primitive (by todays standards) tools.
Enjoy your day.
I love visiting old churches and cemeteries, too. I'm a planner and have learned to take some roads that weren't included in the plans and it affords good discoveries. May God give you the ability to go with the flow right now as you wait to see where your husband will land.
What a beautiful post. Life surely is a mystery. Create away and find the joy in each new day, I always say.
Today I am rearranging my studio, it's not even 10:30am and I'm exhausted.
Beautiful pictures, Laura. It is amazing how lovely the old churches are. I know how difficult the waiting can be. I often feel like I'm living one big question mark, although I know God has a plan for my life. He has one for yours too. Keep creating beautiful things and seeing the beauty in ordinary items! Keep trusting Him. Have a blessed week!
Nici
I love old churches and missions. These photos are beautiful! I think the “unknown” and waiting for a change we have no control over can be very difficult if we don't remember God has the master plan. I've been there, done that too. 🙂
Enjoy your week!
xo
Pat
Right now…. I'm watching a huge storm roll in! Yet another reminder that we are not in control. 🙂
You already know that God is in control and fully equipped to amaze.
Watch and see. 🙂 I'm praying for you.
~Liz
Beautiful churches and beautiful thoughts of those who created the beauty we enjoy today. These are uncertain days for you, Laura, and I pray that God's direction for you will become very clear very soon.
Another beautiful post. You are creating beauty in every day and I am so glad that you share it with us! I am still praying for your family as you go through this transition, for I know He has plans for you!
I am always amazed by the beauty that was created long, long ago. How did they do that? For one thing the talent and the beauty came from God.
Love the pictures, thank you so for sharing with us.
Laura, these are beautiful photographs. I, too, have a soft spot for old churches and their builders. They knew when they began the work that the project would out-live them — and yet they began and built and didn't cut corners. What a work ethic — and a gift of worship to their own Creator! So many lessons I learn from those legacy leavers of long ago… I continue to pray for your family even as you build your legacy without knowledge of where it leads. Hang in there, my friend!