London: Westminster Abbey

With only one full day in London we had to choose which sight to see in this beautiful, historic city. The forecast for light rain and cool autumn weather convinced us to spend the majority of the day sightseeing indoors. A quick trip by express train into the center of London brought quick smiles to all the passengers arriving at Paddington Station—including ours!

We found our way to one of the exits and climbed a stairway leading out of the station. Just as we reached the street we heard the loud gong of Big Ben, saw the meandering Thames River in front of us as well as cars driving on the left side of the road! London!

We chose our destination—Westminster Abbey. Though it’s always a bit odd to pay an entrance fee to enter a church, (especially when this is supposed to be a “working abbey” and not just a museum) we paid it. Upkeep on the church, restoration of windows and crumbling statues needing repairs required money and, it included a listening devices, printed material about the church, and a map in which to follow the numbers!

There are no words to adequately describe this cathedral. Immediately one sees the tall and stunningly beautiful stained glass windows. “Reading” from the top down each painted window scene depicts either a story from the bible, a memorable christian event, or one of important English history.

With many ornate crosses, priceless relics (used by the priests within this church), statutes of saints or nobles of Great Britain (from knights to famous authors), and royal crypts, there was much to see and think about.

Listening to headsets we followed a set course directing us where to walk, what to see, and in which order to see it. Though people were told to refrain from taking photos inside, many ignored it while holding their listening devices to their ears. Looking around I saw very few praying, and even less paying attention to repeated announcements of the upcoming mass to be held within the hour. Still, I imagined the area designated for the church service might fill up quickly. We stopped our “tour” and found empty seats in the front row.

Even during mass people ignored the purpose of this abbey and instead treated it as a museum or one of the landmarks to visit while in London. This was more—it is God’s home. A holy and sacred place in which to be in His presence. It felt irreverent and became a distraction with so many walking about, taking photos, talking to one another, and turning up their headphones. Even hourly and brief moments of silence (announced for prayer) went ignored. This was not “just a museum.”

I felt lucky to be here,  in this moment, to experience our Lord and Savior’s love and hear His words. The message delivered by the priest went straight to my heart. I felt like he was looking at me as he spoke: “Children honor your mother and father.” Though he quoted scripture I already knew, God purposefully brought me to this particular church to hear these words once again. He talked of God’s intention when issuing this commandment. Choices. We either choose to listen to His words and follow His commandments, or we don’t. It was our choice to sit for mass, partake in communion, and receive a blessing from the priest. Many tourists walked away from the mass for one reason or another or simply ignored it. Choosing to “be still” before God’s throne, we gave up seeing more of London.  Our purpose was to go where God leads, see what he wanted to reveal, and learn more of Him.

One could feel the prayers of the saints inside the halls and chapels of this abbey.  The smooth stone walls testified of all the prayers, pleadings and petitions sent to God the Father–I added mine too.  Candles were lit, prayers spoken, God hears.  We can rest as we place our burdens on His throne.  He cares for us.  Of that I am very sure.

Other than eating fish and chips at a nearby English Pub, we were done for the day.  Within 12 hours we would be in a very different country–Istanbul (God Willing), and see all He has in store for us there.  His blessings are many.