Cortona was as lovely as we had hoped. Cobble stone streets, colorful flags here and there, a Stations of the Cross that went uphill with each new step a station. Living the dream, we had lunch of cheese, baguette and red wine on the convent patio which overlooked the rolling valley below. Waving Poplars made rows along the empty roads in the valley. Perfect.
Somehow, we had learned that there was a 13 th century Franciscan monastery outside of Cortona but in walking distance. Even though the streets of Cortona were very hilly and we were tired, we ventured out looking for Le Celle, which means the cell.
The road was a steep downward path and each step made me anxious thinking about the walk back. When we finally arrived, feet screaming and bodies wasted I declared this: "John, you will just have to get us a taxi for the way back." When did I become a princess? He turned around, jaw clenched and eyes blazing and said: "Exactly how do you propose I do that when there isn't a phone in sight nor do I speak Italian ?." "Well, I said "you will have to figure it out, I can't walk back." He stormed off in one direction, I headed another way and found a church where I could find some peace.
It was a small chapel , dark and cool and I knelt down and in seconds I heard this: "Walk back." "What, are you kidding,?" I answered to the Voice. Again: "Walk back". Never have I gotten a message that was so opposed to what I wanted. I gave up, murmured: " yes", left the church and after John and I rambled a bit, said, " let's go back", and headed for the road. With relaxed shoulders and a small smile, he joined me.
We hadn't gone 10 feet when a car pulled up beside us and a gracious grey haired lady asked if we would like a ride back to Cortona. Yes.
3 comments:
Obedience. In the quiet we hear him.
God is so good to us!
Yes and yes!!!!
I'm so glad you are back at writing your special stories...Yea!
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