Patience and the Long View

I lifted this from Rick Steves onine newsletter....

Considering the population density of the Mediterranean region, I'm always amazed at how many wonderful, untouristed corners still await our discovery.

I was along the coast visiting a humble church. It could have been just about anywhere in the Mediterranean. A charming local woman was proud to show me around.

In the sacristy hung a 200-year-old piece of embroidery — the product of a 25-year-long labor of love from a parishioner. It was as exquisite as possible, lovingly crafted from silk...and strands of the woman's own hair. I could trace her laborious progress through the line of cherubs that ornamented the border. As the years went by, both the hair of the angels and the hair of the devout artist turned from dark brown to white. Quietly giving of herself, she had faith that her work was worthwhile and would be appreciated — as it was today, ten generations later, by this traveler from a world apart.

I didn't take a photograph. I didn't realize until later that I'd experienced one of the highlights of my trip. The impression needed — like a good red wine — to breathe awhile. That was a lesson for me.