I have been blessed by my Father to see portions of His earth that others may never have the chance to see. I’ve walked His sandy beaches in Italy, Greece and Turkey; I’ve gaped at His sunsets from across the globe. I’ve experienced His gentle breeze in the cool fall air of Switzerland, and felt His cold on a rainy day in late-November London. I’ve poured with sweat from His sun’s harsh rays in El Salvador, and soaked them in with friends in Cinque Terre and Jacksonville. I’ve hiked the hills in gorgeous North Carolina and manned the steep marble paths of Italy’s exotic hill towns. I’ve seen, first hand, the beauty of my God’s creation–from the Alps to the Aegean, from the Blue Ridge to the Bahamas. I’ve been blessed to see so many of our Creator’s designs.

Still, my favorite place in all the world might have to be the tiny, cozy island of Santorini. Perched high above the angry waves, this island’s white-washed homes mirror perfectly the pure and unadulterated creation of God that so bountifully surrounds it. From its high vantage point you can see for miles–a perfect blue sea, gorgeous hills, and a rainbow of rock peeking out from below. God’s hand is seen most clearly as He paints the sunset each evening: the perfect orange and pink hues slowly swallowed by His pure, still sea. As the night falls on this quaint piece of paradise, the stars flicker into view, and God’s light show is masterfully displayed.

Perhaps the island and all of its beauty could stand alone, but because I didn’t have to…because I was in the arms of my perfectly crafted husband….the island took on a much more romantic and peaceful feel. I was so blessed, on a crisp day in March, to see such a grand display of my God’s handiwork, standing beside His special gift to me.