”Nothing that is real can be threatened”
York Minster — what a place.
It took over 250 years to build this cathedral, and every stone feels like it’s humming with history. Construction started in 1220 and wasn’t fully finished until 1472. Imagine generations of stonemasons working on the same building, carving gargoyles and saints who’d watch over people they’d never meet.
It’s one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. The Great East Window alone is bigger than a tennis court and contains the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. During World War II, locals hid some of the stained glass in storage for safekeeping, determined to protect its beauty for future generations.
And this morning, under those soaring arches,
God accepted me.
When I arrived at the Minster, I met Tim, who was serving as a greeter.
Tim was incredibly kind and pointed me toward some open seating.
I asked him, “Where’s the best seat in the house? Your favorite place to sit?”
Without missing a beat, Tim walked me down the aisle, opened the pew door, and sat me next to a lovely lady in a white and green dress.
His wife!
John couldn’t join us because he had duties during the service. But Beverly, Tim’s wife, was thrilled to see a new face. She asked me questions, and we shared bits about ourselves.
Afterward, Beverly’s then introduced me to her friend Jane, and then pointed me toward the Dean and some of the clergymen.
“Hope to see you next time!” they said.
And they absolutely will. I’ll definitely be going back.
God, I love it here. It feels like I’ve found something I’ve been missing my entire life.
Oh yeah, I wore my baseball hat the entire time I was in the Cathedral. Not a single person told me I was being disrespectful.
All this time, I thought God just didn’t accept me as I am.
Anyway, no time for self-reflection.
Need to hit an ATM.
Keep running out of cash from helping the less fortunate.
He accepted me today. And I met some of the most outgoing, respectful, and inviting people I’ve ever encountered in church.
Glory be to God.
Thank you for accepting me today. And, God, I forgive You for not accepting me until I touched down in York.
Join in on time for Sweat-pant Sunday Service next week!
Little nervous I’ll be welcomed with more open arms, though.
With shaky hands,
