Glimpses of a Better Day

My time in Italy so far has been marked by good, pleasing days. Each day brings some new surprise and adventure my way. I can never know what each day will bring. I like these small surprises, though.

On Friday I had an experience that has been the best part of my trip so far. It was much simpler than some of the other excursions I have gone on. It was not as much money. Yet it was the most fun, filled with the deepest memories. It was a day trip to the beach in Sperlonga, Italy.

The day began with all nine of us trying to find the right train in Termini, which is Rome's central transportation hub. After asking numerous train officials, we finally found the train to Sperlonga. It was a relatively quiet ride through the Italian countryside. I spent most of the ride sleeping.

Then we arrived at what we thought was our destination. It turned out, though, to be a tiny train station situated on a quiet rustic road. We were admittedly perplexed. After asking someone in the train station, we learned that Sperlonga was 17 kilometers (about 11 miles) away. So we had to take a bus there.

After finally arriving, we were met by the site of a gorgeous beach that was mostly tourist free. The waters of the Mediterranean Sea gently crashed on the beige sand. The bright sun hanged high in the azure sky. Hills girded the length of the beach. It was truly the perfect place for a day out with friends.

We did much that day. We walked along the shore, built epic sandcastles, and buried Erik Ancil in the sand. We then made him look like a mermaid with the sand. To top it all off, we had an amazing picnic on the beach. We had bought food at a local, Italian grocery store. Everything was fresh and tasty. I even had my first (and last) taste of wine. It reminded me of nail polish.

For me the highlight of the day was sunset. After dinner I decided to take a walk alone along the shore where the water met the beach. As the waves gently nudged me, I was met by the soft light of the setting sun. For many years now I have always found sunsets and beaches to be two of the most beautiful parts of nature. I would have loved to be at a beach during the sunset. I finally got my wish.

As the sun faded into the foreground, an array of soft pastels painted the sky. Clouds, reflecting the gentle colors of the sun, passed serenely by. The gentle waters of the sea warmly moved around my feet. Soft sand cushioned my each step. Along with all this a cool breeze blew across my path. I could not ask for a more beautiful, more perfect moment.

While dwelling in this moment of bliss, I felt most powerfully the presence of God. In that sunset I could see God's beauty. In the waves and the wind, I could feel His pleasure. I walked with God and spoke with Him. It was truly the most beautiful time of communion I have ever had with the Lord. For me this was a peek into eternity, a glimpse of a better day.

I learned two important lessons from that time with my Creator. First, it is important to be still and know that God is God; it is important to trust Him for everything. He will work it out, no matter what. Second, I learned to see God in everyday life. Granted I will not have breathetaking experiences with nature every time I pray, but I can still find Him in the small parts of life. I am excited for this adventure!