In Bruges

I took this photo in Bruges, Belgium in July, 2006.

I like this photo because while the beer was good, the reflection was better. I think that’s how it is with a lot of life. I can enjoy things for what they are but if I let the Light shine through them, I enjoy them even more.

I also think that most things that the church has labeled as “sinful” aren’t really sinful if enjoyed in moderation – beer (especially Belgian beer) is good, too much beer can lead to undesirable consequences. God is glorified in our enjoyment of life – if it wasn’t glorifying, why would we have our 5 senses? Why would we be able to see the beauty of this world, taste so many wonderful flavors, feel the warm sun and the cool breeze, hear the laughter of friends or the sigh of a lover, or smell a rainstorm’s approach if it weren’t for God to enjoy our pleasure in all we experience?

I also like this photo because if it’s turned like this, it kind of looks like the Virgin Mary with Jesus in her lap.

I should have sold the beer on e-bay…

This picture was also taken in Bruges… I just included it because I like it. I like it because it made me smile to watch the movie, In Bruges, knowing that I had walked the same streets that the story took place. Also, having lived in Belgium, I can completely understand why the character (I forget his name) thought Bruges in the winter could be hell – anywhere in Belgium could be hell in the winter for someone who would rather spend their holiday where the sun warms the earth and the sky is more than gray. It’s like England – dark, wet, and dreary… but England has more to do and better drivers.