In looking at our cruise photos I remembered that I never did post a photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is true and ironic that the famous lean in this tower tends to overshadows its magnificent architecture.
Made of white and multicolored marble, the tower was built as a freestanding bell tower for the cathedral. Construction began in 1173 and the lean was realized after a couple of floors were done. It so happened that construction had to stop several times because of war, the first time for almost a hundred years, giving the sandy ground time to settle and compact. If work had not stopped in between, it would have been more likely the shifting ground would have caused it to topple. The tower was completed in 1372.
What amazes me that something that looked like a mistake in architectural design has become such a wonder and tourist attraction! It reminds me that mistakes can be redeemed and can define us for better. Sometimes it would seem that everything is at a standstill, yet what we do not see is that the shifting ground is settling and providing a stronger foundation for the future.
Today, realizing that it's the "lean" that marks this tower as being phenomenal reminds me of people who have overcome physical hurdles in their life to make a major mark in society. Could be, this leaning tower is an icon pointing us to "impossible" possibilities.
6 comments:
Wonderful thoughts about this icon, Anneliese.
I like that...that the 'flaw' is what has made it great.
So enjoy your insights and thoughts on this Anneliese! Beautiful story of how, as we wait - sometimes impatiently, the ground is settling to give us a stronger foundation for the future! I like that.
In my lifetime, I have so often seen God use flaws and imperfections, in ways I never thought possible. This post was a powerful reminder again, of how He does that. I like this post, because it encourages me, that He might still be able to use me in this world:)
Good thoughts here. Thanks for making me think about my own life and how God uses me inspite of my flaws.
This has stayed with me for some time, and I was able to share it with a friend on Friday who is in a very painful time of waiting. Thank you for sharing this precious thought.
Post a Comment