It is Thursday night.  Where is the time going?  We are thoroughly enjoying Roma, as the Italians say.  Our apartment is just above several little different stores and restaurants.  We look out our window and see the Vatican, we open the windows and hear and smell the sights and sounds of Roma.  I am enjoying using the few words I know in Italian to communicate.  The bumpy Roman cobblestones remind us of all of the people who have walked here before and they give Doug a good jarring in his electric wheelchair.


Today we slept late, ate our left over chocolate croissant and made an espresso.  Then we strolled (walked and rolled) to the Vatican museum.  It is about a mile away.  Having a disability came in handy today.  We did not have to wait in line (it was raining outside) to get in.  Doug and I had free entry and Kate and Mary Lou were able to go with us.

Downside?  Yes!  Once there Doug decided he should use the bathroom.  As it turns out it was quite the wild goose chase to find an accessible bathroom.  After several failed attempts and many steps later and at least 30 minute we found it.  I walked to find an attended to unlock the door and when I came back Doug was gone. I was bewildered.  Well after 5 minutes at least, he came reappeared coming out of the men's bathroom.  I thought I had lost him to the mystery of the museum but he just had to pee!

We arrive shortly before noon and were one of the last ones out at 6:00 pm.  There is much to see.  The art and history is inspiring.  With the rain outside and summer vacation it was incredibly crowed.  We were wall to wall people in the Sistine Chapel, never the less it was awe inspiring.  You look up imagining Michelangelo painting the ceiling in such incredible detail.  You look to our sides and see the story of Jesus and the life of Moses, we look on the floor and see the beautiful mosaic ties.  Art is everywhere. The story of God in our lives is written in pictures. You want to linger longer but know there is still much to see.

Even having been in the museum in March, it was still like walking through for the first time.  There is so much. You see sculptures, painting, tapestries, gold and silver communion vessels, tables, fountains, lanterns, ancient glass, wooden carvings, and more, from ancient times long before Christ through the 18th century.  All works created by human hands.  The grandeur  of the displays and the number of pieces overwhelms the spirit.

As weary pilgrims, having traveled a full  day like a time traveler through time we returned to our apartment for a glass of wine and time to reflect on where we have been.  We are inspired by the gifts we have been given as human beings and thankful to all who have lived fully, sharing there gifts of talent with others to come long after them.

God's message today: When we live fully we not only bless our own lives we bless others.