Croatia. Sweet, beautiful, Croatia.
I absolutely love it here. We’re staying in a city called Osijek and its everything you’d think a European city should be. Well, everything I thought it should be. I guess it depends on each person’s point of view. I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” . So since I can’t speak for anyone but myself, I’ll tell you what I see here in this fair city.
It’s different here. It’s not like Budapest with all its tourism, mega multi-story buildings, vastness and busyness.
It’s quaint. Quiet. Modern meets historical. A gigantic burnt orange neo gothic cathedral towe
rs against the sky, it’s gargoyles posed as if to protect , guarding the beautiful church and observing the city scene below. Brightly colored cafes line the boulevard, their patrons sit around small tables under the shade of a giant umbrellas. Street car trams cruise by and their bells ring out, warning pedestrians of its approach. Families and friends bustle about in the square. Kids play in and near the giant fountain as pigeons frantically jump out of the way as an unexpected geyser passes through the pavement to spray the sky, which is blue. Bright blue. There’s barely a cloud in the sky. Ice cream cones and sunglasses seem perfect right now. The sun is shining and a slight breeze blows through. It’s warm, yet quite cool at the same time. If you plan on standing in the shade, you’d better pull on a sweater. But step out into the sunlight and you will bask in its warmth. Everything is just so bright all around. It’s peaceful. Bullet holes riddle the outside walls of several buildings, where the war swept through 14 years earlier. Some windows are taped up on the poor buildings that haven’t yet had their chance to be repaired and restored. But still, the sun shines on everything.
rs against the sky, it’s gargoyles posed as if to protect , guarding the beautiful church and observing the city scene below. Brightly colored cafes line the boulevard, their patrons sit around small tables under the shade of a giant umbrellas. Street car trams cruise by and their bells ring out, warning pedestrians of its approach. Families and friends bustle about in the square. Kids play in and near the giant fountain as pigeons frantically jump out of the way as an unexpected geyser passes through the pavement to spray the sky, which is blue. Bright blue. There’s barely a cloud in the sky. Ice cream cones and sunglasses seem perfect right now. The sun is shining and a slight breeze blows through. It’s warm, yet quite cool at the same time. If you plan on standing in the shade, you’d better pull on a sweater. But step out into the sunlight and you will bask in its warmth. Everything is just so bright all around. It’s peaceful. Bullet holes riddle the outside walls of several buildings, where the war swept through 14 years earlier. Some windows are taped up on the poor buildings that haven’t yet had their chance to be repaired and restored. But still, the sun shines on everything.And moreover, the Son watches over everything.
He is the healer of hearts. The strength to the weak. The Father to the fatherless. The friend to the outcast. The hope of nations.
Nothing escapes his gaze. And under his watchful eye and pleased smile, everything will be made beautiful in its time. Healing and forgiveness will come to Croatia. Its already in motion. That’s what he sees and that’s why he’s smiling.
Maybe that’s why its so warm here today.
