By Penelope Carlevato
Just before my husband and I left on our river cruise to Europe, I received news that my younger brother had died suddenly.
He never married and lived a quiet life with a few friends. Though in poor health, he still managed to walk every day. I am his only surviving relative, so the weight of settling his affairs fell on me.
There were no other siblings left, no one else to help carry the load. I carried that grief and sadness with me as we traveled with friends to Germany, France and Switzerland.
The cruise itself was relaxing as we gently floated down the Rhine River.
I found I had time to process the truth that my brother’s life had ended.
I grieved his loss but took comfort in knowing he had accepted Christ years earlier. He was no longer suffering, he was fully healed and in the presence of the Lord. Toward the end of our cruise, we visited the French city of Strasbourg.
Each morning of the cruise began with a city tour. On this particular day, as we walked down the cobblestone streets of the well-preserved part of the old city, we stepped into the city square and saw the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral, officially called the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg.
Built between 1015 and 1439, it is acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. Its spire soars 466 feet into the air and the first sight of this magnificent building is breathtaking. This majestic structure is a testimony of artistry and devotion that took generations to build. Tourists filled the square, necks craned upward, snapping pictures of the astonishing cathedral.
I don’t resent the tourists who are perhaps seeing this magnificent structure for the first time.
What saddened me was the thought that the purpose for which it was built isn’t what captivates the attention of the people today.
The spires, stained glass windows, and vaulted ceilings with unparalleled artwork were meant to draw our eyes and hearts heavenward in worship of God.
Yet now, in many of the churches, the gaze is now downward onto smartphones, with long lines of tourists missing the true reason these houses of God were created. This contrast reminded me of how easily we can become spiritual tourists, no better than these travelers shuffling mindlessly in the shadow of once-living cathedrals.
Our lives can be so filled with busyness and distractions that we neglect our time in prayer and worship. Do we move through life like a tourist, snapping mental pictures of Scripture, enjoying the beauty of worship without really engaging our hearts? Do we look good on the outside, but remain empty on the inside?
God does not want spectators; He desires true worshipers.
Our main purpose in life is to glorify him. “Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God. You are not your own, you were bought with a price.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV
The amazing cathedrals and churches gave me a renewed vision. We carry within us something much greater than stained glass windows and priceless art. When life brings loss or seems overwhelming, we are not just empty vessels or hollow cathedrals. We are living temples created by the Master Artist, filled with the Holy Spirit.
As I face the task ahead—settling my brother’s affairs, sorting through his belongings, and making decisions about his property—I am not alone. I have the Holy Spirit as my comforter, my strength and guide.
Many cathedrals and churches across Europe may stand silent and empty, but as living temples, we don’t have to follow that path.
We have Christ, the Light of the World.
Visiting foreign countries allows us to experience new foods, and one of our favorites was the famous Black Forest Cake. Our chef on the cruise ship gave us his recipe for the original version, which was quite complicated.
So here is an easier version that tastes almost as delicious!
Black Forest Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box Devil’s Food or Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1 can pitted black cherries, drained well
- 1 8-oz pkg cream cheese, softened
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Maraschino cherries
- Chocolate Shavings
Directions
- Bake cake as directed in two 9” pans, Cool, then place one cake on a plate and trim the dome of the cake to form a flat top.
- Blend the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Slowly add half the whipping cream and whip for a minute or so, until it starts to thicken. Add the rest of the whipping cream and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Spread ¼ of the whipped cream on top of the first cake layer. Put the drained cherries on top of the whipped cream and spread evenly. Top the cherries with another ¼ of the whipped cream. Place the second cake layer on top of the mixture. Spread the remaining whipped cream on top of the cake and decorate with the maraschino cherries and sprinkle the shaved chocolate on top of the cherries.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Refrigerate leftover cake, covered.
Find more of Penelope’s recipes at leadinghearts.com.
