Thankful for Seasons -- in Nature, and in Life.

I realized on my drive home from work one day last week, that seasons -- both in nature & in life -- aren't fully appreciated until they're gone.

Maybe that sounds silly, or maybe I'm just getting older & more nostalgic (probably true), but here's my theory:

The sun was shining bright & it felt so warm on my face, through my car windows. Surely, I've felt this warmth many times before, but I'd forgotten how good it felt until at that moment, because it's been awhile since we've had a nice, sun-shiny day.  I then realized I would be home with enough time to get some exercise in outside, for the first time in months.
Immediately, a hopeful sense that longer, warmer days are just around the corner came over me.

It wasn't until I felt the warmth of the sun again, until I realized how much I appreciate  & look forward to the season that's about to come: Spring.

It's nearing the end of winter, and we've all got cabin fever.  We're growing tired of itchy scarfs & clunky boots -- and salt coated vehicles that could be washed every other day.  Soon though, Spring will roll around & we'll feel SO thankful for warmer temps & budding flowers.

Spring gradually transitions to Summer, and we're SO thankful for hotter days, hours and hours of sunshine, & all the fun outdoor activities on the horizon.

Then just when we're feeling "over" the humidity, Fall sets in and we're SO happy to feel the crunchy leaves beneath our feet & admire the beautiful array of Autumn colors.

Just when we think God couldn't make Nature any more beautiful, the first winter snow storm leaves our Earth covered in a shimmery white blanket, and we think: Now this, this is amazing.

This cycle happens over & over again, year after year, and season after season.

And this is why I think a changing of the seasons, is the only way that we really feel thankful & appreciate the previous season.

Isn't that so true in life, too?   We often don't appreciate something until it's gone.

We reflect back on a previous year, and think "man, that year really sucked".  But then we more closely examine parts of our so-called "really sucky year," and we find a silver lining.  Without doubt, there were a lot of great moments in that year too -- we just didn't fully appreciate them until they were over... much like the seasons.

I'm learning to appreciate the seasons -- look for the silver living -- and BE thankful.
We are lucky to live in this life, full of wonderful seasons.

What season is your favorite?

Travel: Rome, Italy {Day 2}

To read about our first day in Rome, click here.

Day 2 in Rome was dedicated to visiting all the usual touristy sights, and let me tell you, Rome houses some pretty amazing attractions.   My pictures don't even begin to do these sights justice.

Let's start off where we spent the first half of our day, in Vatican City...

Vatican City.
Did you know that Vatican City is it's own city state?  Yep, it's plunked right in the middle of Rome, but is it's own country with a population of less than 900 people.  It's ruled by the Pope & is the smallest internationally recognized independent state.  It lies to the left of us in the below photo, behind that wall.

Here's us -- all geared up & ready for our tours

There are no words, pictures or videos I can show to you that will give you the slightest feeling of what we felt & saw while in Vatican City.  These pictures DO NOT do this magical place an ounce of  justice. It's truly something that you need to experience for yourself.

Within the city are these historical sites that we visited: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, & St. Peter's Basilica.

Sistine Chapel.
No photography or videography is allowed inside of the chapel, so I can't share with you what I saw, but pictures & videos wouldn't compare anyway.  Upon entering the chapel, I immediately got goosebumps; others even got tears in their eyes.   The Sistine Chapel is unlike anything I've ever experienced before, mostly thanks to the amazing talents of Michelangelo.  The painted ceilings at the Sistine Chapel attract nearly 5 million tourists every year; they stand in silence & awe, as they admire the detailed artwork & workmanship.  It really is incredible!  Just knowing that you are standing in the very room where Michelangelo once stood (in the 1500's!!) and where the Popes are elected... it's a feeling I can't describe.


Vatican Museums.

Filled with artifacts, sculptures, mosaics, paintings, & tapestries that are so beautiful & detailed, you can't believe the talent.  Here's a sampling of what you'll find throughout the museums:

Do you recognize these guys... from your art history days in college? ;)

The ceilings are so amazing, you'll be looking up the whole time...

Tapestries with so much fine detail, you'd think they were paintings...

St. Peter's Basilica & St. Peter's Square.
A massive church of beauty (one of the two largest churches in the world), filled with sculptures & mosaics, and is the burial site of St. Peter himself -- is completely breath-taking!  It's also considered one of the holiest Catholic tributes.

Click here for a neat virtual tour -- it will put everything in perspective.

Looking out, onto St. Peter's Square...

The famed bronze gilded Holy Door -- the northern most door in the Basilica, that according to tradition, is only opened for great celebrations, such as the Jubilee years (aka, it's kind of a big deal... they are currently opened as Pope Francis has declared this year as the Holy Year of Mercy).

What an amazing experience!

Phew!  That was a long post -- I could have shared hundreds of more photos, but these are just the highlights.

I hope you enjoyed that slice of Vatican City I was able to share -- if you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below & I will try my best to answer them! 

Tips:
*Visit Vatican City with a group tour (that makes a reservation) or pre-purchase your ticket online, otherwise you will waste an entire day of your trip waiting in line, just to get in.  I'm not kidding.

*Visit the Vatican gift store & purchase a (real) rosary made with flower petals, which can be blessed by a priest in St. Peter's Basilica.  It will be a wonderful keepsake & makes an excellent gift!

*Plan to wear garments that cover your shoulders & knees while in Vatican City.