My Chapel By The Sea.

Sunday Morning, 8:00 am at Saint Thomas' Chapel by the sea. The day was so dismal, thick with fog and drizzle.
The old chapel is nestled snug among the many cottages that line the harbor. The doors, rain or shine, always propped open wide with a view of the harbor yachts, yachts that day sat bobbing away on their moorings, as there was no sun in site.

The chapel interior so rustic, straight back pews built so the body has no choice but to sit at complete attention.
The alter and pulpit so simple so rough, even artless; yet it bears a beauty of it's own.
Post & beam low ceilings, no glitter-no gold but for a chalice or two. There are no extravagant chandeliers only candle light, and a simple vase filled with wildflowers.

A pure white stone statue of our blessed Mother, built into a dimly lit alcove, stands with her hands braced in prayer. She holds a look so serene as she takes on all of our burdens and prayers, no worry on her face. I imagine if faith had a look, this is maybe what it looks like, no furrowed brow, no tears.

Ironically enough, when I took my eyes off of her, and began to listen to the Fathers sermon, it was all about Faith ... actually he spoke of "Faith without uncertainty; is not faith at all" something to ponder anyhow!

The bay window behind the alter is the focal point, it draws me into this chapel by the sea and keeps me coming back. If there were any lavishness to this chapel at all, it would have to be this stained glass window. It is a bay window with such enormity it encompasses nearly the entire back wall of the chapel.

The stained glass mural is of our Lord Jesus standing before 8 of his followers in a wooden boat, with just enough room for only those aboard. The scene has them caught in a raging storm at sea, a blustery sky with gigantic blue swells of white capped waves licking & swashing the edges of the leaden down boat.

The 8 followers all painted with the look of fear & desperation on their faces ... but not our Lord. He stands before them as sturdy as the mast with it's billowy sail. His face shows no fear, stolid, he faces straightforward with his right hand raised to God our Father. He simply knows the sea will not swallow him this day~ He has purpose and will endure this storm. Again, I wonder, if faith had a look, would this be it?

The storms I encounter in my life do not compare to what our Lord and our Blessed Mother encountered. I must remind my self always that "The sea will not swallow me this day"