In the Moment

Once hosting ships at its dock the bay to ancient Ephesus is now home to olive groves, grape vines and sheep ranchers. Walking the stone laden streets of the place the Apostle Paul once called home for a while was both challenging and awe inspiring. The remnants of the decayed and crumbling library with two of its magnificent three stories brought back as a testament to the artistry and engineering of that day prompted thoughts of what it must have been like to have been there reading from those scrolls. Further along, past what looked like a flat and welcoming sports field, we came upon the ancient avenue upon which Caesar and Cleopatra once traveled. That avenue led to the entrance to the grand amphitheater that seated twenty five thousand in its day. Legend has it that Paul the Apostle himself preached in that amphitheater. As I stood there taking in what is now ruins crowded with tourists I was swept away with thoughts of what it must have been like in those days for the people to whom Paul exhorted to “put on the whole armor of God.” I whispered prayers of thankfulness to have the opportunity to experience those moments that day in Ephesus. Gratitude has proven to be both a source of comfort in the moment and motivation to discover the moments to come.