Finding my Way

This is a photo of one of the paths between the seaside villages of Cinque Terre. It is narrow, rocky, and its destination obscured. In fact, the path leads away from the Mediterranean (which would be to one’s left) and further into the mountain – away from where I was headed.

So often, this is what my life’s journey feels like—how about you?

The journey by footpath through Cinque Terre is unpredictable. The view is spectacular; but when the road is so precarious, I tend to see just what is immediately around me: the jutting rocks, my footing, the narrowness of the ledge, the obstacles. I lean forward, my heart beating rapidly in my ears, straining to catch the sounds of other travelers. I do not want to be completely alone in my journey.

The red paint that marks the path is rather a blight to the natural terrain, but there is some reassurance in knowing that I am on the right path. This is the way I am supposed to be going. I haven’t wandered off by mistake.

Other travelers do appear. Some with sweaty, but smiling faces. We exchange greetings with German tourists in the language of our shared journey: “Buon giorno!”

A beautiful city waits at the end of my path. In Cinque Terre, it is Vernazza, pictured below at night and at dawn.



Somewhere at the end of my spiritual journey, a beautiful city waits for me as well. It is a city of light, flowing with a river of pure life. It sparkles like a precious gem. The city will bring healing to the nations, and no evil will enter there (Revelation chapters 21 and 22).

The path to get there is narrow, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7: 13-14). Jesus said He was “the way” (John 14:16). His Word will be a “light to my path” and a lamp for my feet” (Psalm119:105).

With my heart, I see the city and trust the path I am on to get there. With my heart, I hope, and love, and believe.

And that… is living spiritually in the everyday.

By the sea in Italy: the beauty of the journey

Monterossa - by the sea in Italy.

Monterossa, furthest north seaside village of the Cinque Terre, is a large resort town with a sprawling beach and a once legendary reputation for drawing movie stars.

For us, Monterossa was a beauty that was best enjoyed in the journey.

After visiting all four of the other seaside villages, what wonders would Monterossa reward us with that Sunday morning? From afar, it was idyllic. Glamorous. Beautiful and grand. Yet, uniquely Cinque Terre. And the two hour hike there was unforgettable!

Our hike wandered through sun-soaked vineyards, providing breath-taking vistas and treacherous climbs.

Along the pathway, we edged the Mediterranean from dangling precipices and plunged deep into the hillside olive groves.

The hike had everything you would want. Climbs, plunges, views, sun, shade, variety, challenges, rewards. It was a journey that delighted one minute and threatened in the next.

At times, the pathway narrowed to a mere 10 inches. Dangerous enough when all the hikers were going in one direction. Fairly impossible when hikers approached from the other direction. Maneuvering some of those crevices became a focal point. A matter of safely surviving the trail.

One high point was crossing paths with two college-age girls, walking arm-in-arm and singing joyfully (in English!)with their praise music: "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the mountains. Your faithfulness stretches to the sky."

Finally, we arrived in Monterossa. We searched for our expected reward, an Italian gelato! But none were to be found.

We settled for a refreshing lemon granita and wandered Monterossa in hopes of discovering its special charm.

Unfortunately, the beaches, though beautiful, were over-crowded and uninviting. The layout of the city was more modern and less charming than the other villages. It felt less friendly, too.

After a very brief visit, we took the train back to Vernazza and reflected on the best part of our day--the hike to Monterossa.

In reflection, it was a good reminder that beauty perceived only from afar can be deceptive. True beauty is found when one gets past the distant image and examines the heart or essence of the person or place.

And sometimes, the journey can be more beautiful than the destination.

Vernazza - A special place of rest

Window view from Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy. A secluded cove where the Mediterranean roared a fitful lullaby or lapped a peaceful slumber against the rocks below.

Vernazza is one of five towns nestled among the rocky coastline of northern Italy, known as the Cinque Terre. Connected by hiking trails that meander through hillside vineyards and lemon groves, the towns seem to grow out of the mountain and descend into the water below.

Life in Vernazza is out of time. But full of place.

Geoff and I spent our last weekend in Italy here, renting an apartment with a balcony that overlooked this tiny cove. It was at once relaxing and invigorating.

We could sit for hours at the water's edge, watching the foam surge and crash on the breakers that protect the ancient harbor where small colorful fishing boats still bring in the day's catch: shrimp, octopus, squid, sea bass, anchovies. Il Frito misto is how we encountered it on the local menu.

Lively, quaint. Modern, but ageless. Vernazza was a place to rest from climbing towers, touring art museums, and exploring the wonders of Rome, Florence, and Tuscany. And it was so much more.

The air was pristine. The scenery along the trails was stunning at every turn. An icy lemon granita (a partially frozen, slushy-like drink) made from fresh, local lemons rewarded our hike between towns where cars were forbidden access except on market day.

Staying in Cinque Terre was a rest that rejuvenated and enlivened. How unlike the kind of rest that ruins and decays, as we observed among the ancient Roman ruins or in crumbling medieval chapels.

Today (Labor Day) I read in Hebrews 4 of the place of rest that awaits believers: “So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who enter into God’s rest will find rest from their labors, just as God rested after creating the world” (Heb. 4:9,10 NLV).

It occurred to me as I read, that when God rested on the seventh day, His work with mankind was not finished. It had only just begun. Conflict was just about to ensue as Adam and Eve fell to sin’s temptation, and evil began its vicious assault on the earth and all its occupants.

But God’s promise is for a future place of rest when the conflict will be ended. Truth will prevail. Justice will be exacted. Evil’s vicious rule will be terminated. Love and eternal bliss will be the reward of those who have chosen to follow “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

God’s place of rest. If Vernazza is any indication of what is ahead, then we have a lot to look forward to.