The weather in Barcelona contradicted everything I read. Hazy, cold, damp, dull, and dreary applied to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The questions circling were plain to everyone; why would people make this a vacation spot? What was the attraction to this dirty port city? When were the street kids going to fleece our pockets? Where was Spain’s famous culture?
The leading indicators were there for us to discover; helpful hotel staff, incredible vegetarian restaurants with innovative, fresh dishes and friendly service, and fat laden sweet shops hidden in alleys that began from other small alleys. They were there but we were wondering. Exploring the city was an adventure that never seemed to end. Even with our one unplanned wait on the corner for an hour, the experience in discovering a new city grew as an adventure. Then we discovered the true colors of Barcelona.
Bright sun, cool breezes, and bright laundry handing from apartment windows all set the stage for the real city picture. Wondering the streets, we continued to find small alleys reflecting openings into new communities, plazas with wonderful original art, and new sweet shops begging us to stop in for yet another snack. True colors included the largest ice cream cones I have ever seen or enjoyed, marinas full of boats with bright sails, and kids playing everywhere.
I often think I know exactly what God looks like, how I stand in the Presence, and what God’s true colors are. The leading indicators are there for me to discover; unsolicited acts of grace and love, peace in times of difficulty, and comfort when pain begins to overwhelm. The indicators are there, but I still wonder.
We can discover the true colors of God. “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us – set us right with him, make us fit for him – we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus.” (Romans 5.1) Everything is there, ready for us, and waiting for our move. The dance is ready to begin, are we ready?
