Smarte

I confess to less than complimentary thoughts when I have seen these cars on the highways of the U.S.  They seem toy-like and downright dangerous as they share the road with SUVs and other behemoths that rumble through our land.

Our recent trip to Greece and Italy changed my paradigm.  These cars were born to ply the narrow streets of Athens and Rome! 

Limited parking?  No problem.  And if even the compact spacing afforded in the above image isn't available; you have other options...

Still not buying or recommending one for stateside, though.

Pillars

Pillar: a supporting, integral or upstanding member or part. (Merriam-Webster).

From a child, I've heard the term pillar used to refer to those who provided support, often in a quiet and unassuming manner, and especially in the context of the church. It always struck me as a high compliment.

Some of the columns are in the sun; up front and visible.  Some stand in the shadows and carry their load unnoticed.  Removal of any one of them would put a greater load on the others.  And who knows how many could be removed before the structure would collapse.

Acropolis

Acro (top), polis (city): City at the top.  T'he semester of Etymology I had with Mr. Tripp back at Hinsdale South was one of the best classes I ever took.

No surprise, I guess, that those Greek roots show up in Athens.  This happens to be from the vantage point from which Paul beheld the city wholly given to idolatry and challenged the Mars Hill gathering that the God they acknowledged as "unknown", was Him "in whom we live and move and have our being".  No less true today.

Soulmate

There's a look that you only give to your heart's love.  A smile that only years of knowing and loving can evoke. 

I love to make her laugh.

Bridges

Actually shot this with my cell phone on an early  morning bike ride recently.  I'm in a race against time as the sun rises later and later each day.  Always some sadness as the days shorten.  Yet peace in the promise that the seasons will follow in sequence until the Lord's return.

I like bridges, roads...connections.  Are we building connections?  Some good advice I heard a good while back; never burn a bridge.