Normandy
We have had the delightful pleasure of stopping and travelling through Normandy for a few days on our way to Brittany to stay for some time to study through the entire Bible.
On our way through this beautiful rural countryside , that has been a true inspiration for many an artist, writer or poet, we have passed through miles and miles of tree lined fields and battle sites that are intertwined with central churches medieval castles and Abbeys.
We have passed famous historical towns such as Bayeux, and Calvados, famed for it’s apple derived brandy. Probably Normandy`s second most memorable feature after the beaches where so many brave men gave their lives in 1944, is the monastery island of Mont Saint Michel. Located approximately 1 km off the coast of France. It is possibly one of the most magnificent sights of historical and religious significance.
The monastery was built in the 8th century AD, it has a population of approximately 50, most of whom live in the lower level town, outside of the fortification. It has been rendered virtually impregnable due to its position, only accessible during low tide. More than 3 million visitors and pilgrims visit each year the incredible sight of the Abbey at Mont Saint Michel.
We, were just 2 more today. We didn’t plan on doing a full tour or anything like that, just a quick detour for a photo opportunity. It would be pretty quiet at 0800 am. We had gotten on the road at 7am to get there whilst everybody else was in bed.
Not so when it comes to pilgrims and sightseeing tourists. There were hundreds of cars parked up in the segregated car parks. We had to go down to No 8. I only wanted a couple of pictures and you couldn’t see anything apart from man made buildings, gift shops, restaurants, hotels etc.. It was €17 to park a motor-home for anything more 30 mins to 24 hrs and free before that. We went for the free option. After just over 10 minutes of fast walking it was clear to see that we couldn’t see anything! Tourism had blocked the view. They have double headed buses, the ability to drive forward or backward to take you out, dogs were not allowed.
We rushed back to the car park as not to incur any charge and I decided I would return at a different time to see this spectacular feature. All I got for coming out of our way was a photograph of a picture off the side of the bus stop!
The satnav guided us to our next destination, where we are going to stop for the next 3 months. Over a little bridge and wow, we could actually see it! It may have been some distance off but there was no souvenir shops in the way. A couple of photos later we are on our way.
Likewise God wants us to see things more clearly. We may not always see things that way. He wants us to make the effort to press into what He has for us. Wasn’t Zaccheus rewarded for overcoming his lack of height by climbing the tree and avoiding the coming crowd so that he could see Jesus when He came in Lukes Gospel chapter 19. Salvation came to Zacchaeus that day, when he met with the living God. Don’t be like all the others just watching from a distance. Get to know Jesus Christ who died for all our sins so that we have redemption in Him. We can be forgiven and spend eternal life with Him.
Amen.
God bless