Quieting, surrendering, loving, living

The first day was very surreal. We got off the plane in Tel Aviv...and it seemed like there was an immediate sense of quieting. The quieting of my mind and soul...a huge wave of peace entered as we began this entry into Israel. On our bus, our tour guide struck a nerve. He said (I didn't write it down, so it isn't verbatim): if you came here to see beautiful place and artifacts, you have completely wasted your time...because America has more beautiful places. But, if you have come like the 3 wise men...searching for the great king to bring meaning and understanding and understanding to your being and wanting to live in the reality of the king...then you have come with the right mindset. 

The reason it struck me is not because I came only to see these places...but because I never really equated myself with the 3 wise men and why they journeyed to the nativity. 

Getting to the hotel, I was excited to see that they were still cleaning our room. So, within 30 minutes of being done traveling...I was standing in The Holy Sepulcher! My first distinct spiritual reality was that my life's identity...who I am...has it's center at this place! The fact that I could be there and give praise and thanksgiving for not only my life, my family and friends...but also for the ability to have true, real, deep freedom and Hope!

Today, Friday, we are going to the place of the Visitation and Nativity!!!! I can't wait to get to continue this spiritual renewal and strength!