‘the midget’s gate’
16 june 09 – caeserea philippi (mark 8.27-9.1)
this is day 5 of our travels in galilee. and as we made our hour-long bus ride up to caeserea philippi, i had a remarkable revelation…
i am on information overload, and i need a break!
all of our visits have been interesting, illuminating, and insightful. shane has done an incredible job of bringing the gospel of Mark to life in its original setting, and our guide, claudia, has given us lots of great information about the diversity of cultures in the region. but even with all these great adventures, at some point, my brain starts to hurt.
as we surveyed the amazing ancient ruins of baniyas…i got schweaty (meaning REALLY sweaty).
as i peered into the cave opening of the temple of the roman god Pan…i waited for the dreaded white rabbit from ‘monty python and the holy grail’ to appear and rear its BIG, SHARP, POINTY TEETH!
and by the time we got to the palace of king agrippa II and the byzantine basilica from the 4th century, i couldn’t remember which ruins were whose and why peter wasn’t at the temple of Pan.
so i did what i usually do when my energy is low and my brain capacity is beyond full.
i had a bit ‘o fun 
my friend, steve lympus, was taking pictures of the basilica and noticing this short archway. he asked me what i thought it was. and in a flash of fatigue-induced lunacy, this was how i replied...
the more thoughtful, reflective ruminations will return upon arrival in jerusalem tomorrow. as for now…when you’re chewing on life’s gristle, don’t worry, give a whistle…and always look on the bright side of life
shalom of Christ to you all,
brian
ps. here’s another lil’ bit o’ fun…
pps. oh ok, just ONE more…