Waiting in Amsterdam

I am standing in a queue (that's "waiting in line" for us Americans!) outside of Anne Frank's house.  It's a two-hour wait to see the hiding spot for this brave lil' one and her family.  And I'm listening to the people around me complain about the wait and contemplate stepping away.  And immediately I think of Disney World.  And America.

Thousands of people wait in long lines everyday to ride roller coasters
that last less than 1 minute at Disney World.  Sure there's a thrill,
a feeling of excitement and the satisfaction of accomplishing the fastest
ride, largest drop or most G-force.  But all and all, it's just amusement.
No reflection.  No knowledge acquisition.  No meditation.  Flip the setting to waiting in line for a historic landmark, the chance to honor those much braver than us, and all of a sudden the wait isn't worth it.  And I can't help but think this general lack of patience is amusing. Now don't get me wrong there are plenty of people that wouldn't wait in a line at Disney...my sister being one of them.  Which is exactly why I'm waiting and she is shopping!  But the patience to wait has allowed me to glean a perspective I'm quite
thankful for! 

James 5:7
Be patient, then, brothers and sister, until the Lord's coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

As I stand in this line I get to see the Holland-style architecture and enjoy the warm sun and cool breeze.  Ever so often the breeze blows a sweet marijuana smell my way and although I'm not into smoking, regardless of it being "legal" here (which it isn't actually legal, it's decriminalized!), the smell is quite distinctive and pleasant here.  Taking the city in one sense at a time...all while waiting in line!  It's given me a moment to relax in my thoughts and actually write a blog (thankful for iPhone to write it on!), something I haven't had time to do since I started my vacation.  All of my
downtime has been spent finishing up school work--which I'm almost
done with this semester! 

It's a different way of life in Europe.  It's slow...but a peaceful
slow not a boring slow.  Amsterdam is likely the most beautiful city
I've ever visited.  Which is incredibly surprising since it's know for
red lights and "coffee shops". FYI- there's a distinctive difference
between a coffee bar and a coffee shop in Amsterdam.  I'm definitely
more of a coffee bar type girl!  But the city is beautiful and clean
and almost refreshing. People are active, they seem to get up late, ride bikes everywhere, relax on Sundays and just enjoy their city.  It's definitely a bit out of my comfort zone and I absolutely love it!!! 

So the next you are waiting in line...reflect on what you are waiting
for.  Take in the scenery around you because a little patience can go a long way in this world! 

Ephesians 4:2
Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

This verse applies to so very many things in Amsterdam...and there will be many more blogs to follow.  Just haven't had time to get my thoughts on paper!  More to come!

Waiting, watching and listening,

Ashley Lucille


PS - If I offended anyone with the sweet marijuana smell comment, I do apologize.  The next few blogs are going to be honest, real reflections on my trip to Amsterdam and Paris.  Just a heads up.