This fountain of Diana might not be the most impressive in Rome, but she sits happily at one of the biggest intersections in the city. She shares the space with three other fountains, but I am drawn to this simplest of the Quattro Fontane. Her expression is so content, yet she lounges amidst chaos. The water bubbles gently around her as she closes her eyes gives a tiny little smile. That's how I feel most days. I'm surrounded by the fast city, but there is such peace and joy in my heart I smile anyway. She's my mascot.
So I'm showing her to you as a visual for this special post. This Lent, I mainly focused on gratitude. One of my practices was to make a list of blessings that were special every day. I thought of what I was thankful for, wrote it down, and read/prayed through the whole thing each day of Lent. Since it was so wonderful to make this list, I can't help but share! I'd recommend this practice to anyone--take a month and write something new every day. By the end of Lent, I had nearly 50 reminders of God's greatness.
Family--Good Weather--Encouragement--Good Rest--Productivity--Roommates--Grace in All Things--Learning--Books--Joy of Waking Up in Rome--Fresh Fruit--Technology for Video Calls--Cooking Skills--Laughter--Converstion--Friendship--Cultrual Variety--Hope--Spontaneity--Special Treats--Relaxed Italian Lifestyle--Wisdom of the Experienced--Deep Discussions--Piano Music--Birthday Blessings--Gracious Guests--Full Days--Freedom as a Woman and Freedom Fighters--Evening to Myself--Servant Leaders--Meaningful films--Prenestina Youth Group--Time for Togetherness--Things Working as Planned--God's Provisions--Helping Hands--Deepening Friendships--Success Moving--Powerful Sermons--The Mark Drama (God's Word Brought to Life)--Having Everything I Need (and more)--Reliable People--Beautiful Art--Joy of Making a Space My Own--Christ's Commitment to Us--Joy of Eating Together--Easter
Thanks to everyone who makes it possible for me to live and work here. To everyone who prays for me. Everyone who encourages me. Teaches me. Emails me. Anything and everything! Now, I think the Doxology is necessary :)
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow/ Praise Him all creatures here below/ Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts/ Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.