Thank God! These two words describe best one of the busiest summers I have ever had! Over the course of the summer, I try to sit down and reflect. I try to reflect on the memories I have had, the moments that I have experienced God, and the thankfulness that I cannot truly put into words. As I sit writing this, I am on the last leg of summer enjoying the final days at Rosemary Beach sipping a “Fat Americano” otherwise known as Espresso and Coke.
Our summer began as an Italian Fantasy! My wife’s grandmother had the dream to take her three sons and their families to Italy this summer! The trip had been almost a year of planning by my Father-In-Law, if not more! As you could imagine, all sixteen family members were ecstatic to go! We went to three cities in Italy: Venice, Florence, and Rome. Each one featured a beautiful rooftop dinner and incredible breakfast croissants. While I wish I could share our whole trip, I know that is impossible! Instead, I will share some different highlights, with my favorite experience in each city.
Our trip began in Venice, Italy. This place is known for its beautiful canals and water taxis. In Venice we were able to visit the Doge’s Palace as well as The Basilica of St. Mark. While the architecture and setting were unlike any I had ever seen, it was The Basilica of St. Mark that really stuck with me. In this church, is believed to be the body of Mark, the Gospel writer. The vivid pictures and phrases rang throughout the church. In some areas, all you saw were people looking straight up as they were scouring the artwork on the ceiling of the church. The gold mosaics, the artwork of miracles, and the depictions of biblical stories created a thoughtfully designed place of Worship. Being in this very church brought a rush of emotions to my mind. I had recently spent the last two and a half years teaching through the book of Mark to my students at church. It was surreal to be in the place where the bones of Mark were housed. Whether that is actually his body/bones is up for debate; nonetheless, it struck a chord with me. As our time in Venice came to a close, I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you that I was victim to a swooping bird stealing a very delicious sfogliatelle.
As our trip continued, we found ourselves in Florence, Italy! The time spent in Florence will live in my dreams for decades to come! Florence was characterized by STEAK… a lot of steak! While seeing Michaelangelo’s “David” was stunning, it was our meal in the Piazza della Signoria that I will never forget. It was in this Piazza where the original “David” sculpture once stood for hundreds of years. This meal was characterized by a beautiful scenery of a castle-style structure, an open air setting, and lots of laughter. It was here at this meal where Uncle Destry, my FIL, and myself all shared a huge steak brought to us over an open fire. As if that weren’t enough, some of us enjoyed a nice affogato or a couple of scoops of gelato. It was here in the leather market that we saw some of the most beautiful bags, purses, belts, and wallets that I have ever seen. It was also here where we got to view the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, various other churches, and other beautiful views.
Our vacation, in which we wanted to last forever, soon was coming to a close in Rome, Italy. In Rome is where history truly comes to life. The ancient powerhouse that once was, the beauty and architecture that has lasted the test of time, and the wealth of an Empire is still on display. It really is true when they say, “All roads lead to Rome”! It is here we visited the Coliseum (if you know you know), Palatine Hill, the Spanish Steps, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, and so much more. Our time in the “Eternal City” was spent with structure and plans, but much more opportunities for exploration. It is here when walking narrow streets and taking random alleys that the history of Rome comes to life. While every step you take you experience history, one of our coolest experiences came from the idea of my brother in law, John. He came across “Priscilla's Catacombs”. It was here in these catacombs where some of the earliest Christian Martyrs were buried. Walking through these catacombs brings chills over you as you begin to realize the many men, women, and children that gave their lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is here where faith was put on display. It is here where lives lost on Earth meant eternal union with their Savior. What a testament to those who were unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an age that could cost them their lives.
As our trip came to an end, our hearts were filled with gratitude. Not just gratitude to Grandma Jeter, but gratitude for all God has blessed us with. He blessed us to see the rich history that the cities of Venice, Florence, and Rome hold. He blessed us with time spent with family experiencing new things together. I truly don’t think you could’ve asked for anything more on this trip. It truly was a once in a lifetime trip!
While it felt like summer started weeks ago, it was only just beginning. Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for me. As a Youth Pastor, my summer is full of ministry opportunities. It begins with Vacation Bible School and ends with Summer Camps. This year we were blessed with a great group of students at VBS. They came ready to hear God’s Word and were active participants in receiving it. I was so proud of the genuineness I saw in wanting to grow closer to God. As far as summer camp goes, we have three different ones we attended this year. For my 7th-8th graders, we have Wired and Generate. For my 5th-6th graders, we have Student Life Kids Camp! It is here at these camps where lives are changed for eternity. It is here at camps where students experience God in a new way. It is here at camp where students are able to leave changed and live out their faith differently when they return home. I was also reminded that not only students experience God at camp, but even adults and Youth Pastors. We had three great weeks of camp and I cannot wait to see how God uses these weeks in the lives of my students!
As summer comes to a close, two of our last three weeks will have been spent at the beach! My family took a trip to Panama City Beach, while my wife’s family took a trip to Rosemary Beach. Our time has been spent relaxing and soaking up the sun. What more can you ask for than to sit on the beach and experience one of God’s most beautiful creations. These two weeks have been characterized by time spent with family and honestly, I couldn’t ask for anything more. I am so blessed that my parents and my wife’s parents value family so much!
While our summer has been jam packed and our neighbors never know when we are home, I wouldn’t trade it for anything! All I can do is THANK GOD! Thank him for who he is, thank him for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, thank him for the family and parents he has blessed us with, and thank him for the many blessings he continues to bestow upon our lives.
P.S…. if you've made it this far, European Fanta is one of the best things ever created!