Grace Cathedral

Sunday, I decided to take the bus into town and wonder the streets of downtown San Francisco. I wondered past the Asian Art Museum and the giant "Shiva" style statue with three heads and six arms. I wondered up and down the hills until arrived at Grace Cathedral. (On a side note, the block leading up to Grace was brutal. It was so steep that there was a staircase built into the middle of the sidewalk. My calves burned when I reached the top.) I don't know what it was about the giant golden doors that greeted me, but I had the sense of reverence for God that overcame me. I wondered through the cathedral and I felt that I was in the presence of God. I felt enveloped in his presence and that I was in worship of him from the moment that I entered. I was captured by the environment and swept away by the feelings that it created. Why does this building have such a profound impact on me? Maybe I have a romanticized idea of these old churches. In some sense, I wish that I felt this way walking into my church. The building itself exuded the Lord in a way. At the same time, I am glad that my church does not feel like this because the dependence upon the building is removed. I am not sure what it is, but when the light from God's creation shines down through those stain glass windows, I know God is with me. Praise God for the beauty and splendor that he has allowed to fill Grace Cathedral. (In another side note, there was a lady and a gentleman practicing their Tai Chi in the courtyard of the cathedral. It just did not seem to fit. I laugh pretty hard when I saw it.)