Yesterday my daughter Joi and my beautiful granddaughters Brooky, Lani, and I took a trip to St. Petersburg to the Dali Museum. Something I’d always wanted to do but never took the time. The anticipation of getting there and seeing some of the work of this brilliant surrealist painter was joyful indeed. Although Salvadore Dali is famous for many works at the top of that list is “The Melting Clock”. He also did paintings as well as sculptures of Christ. One of the most beautiful is Christ of the Cross St. John which he painted in 1951. What I found ironic about his work is its evolution. From one extreme to another but no matter the extreme it proved quite interesting.

Dali was noted for painting his dreams. So he even found God in his dreams. Although Christ of the Cross St. John is a depiction of the crucifixion, it is devoid of nails, blood, and a crown of thorns, because, according to Dalí, he was convinced by a dream that these features would mar his depiction of Christ. Also in a dream, the importance of depicting Christ in the extreme angle evident in the painting was revealed to him. Although this particular painting is hanging in the collection of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow we were able to see a rough draft of it in the museum and the sculpture in the garden outside—-it was beautiful.

After leaving the museum we walked the pier and talked about how beautiful the day was and how God had blessed us with being able to come together and enjoy our day. Although it was somewhat hot and exhausting walking the pier there was a breeze blowing off the water and a peace as we walked to the restaurant The Pier Teak. Where we were fortunate enough to get a booth in the corner to see the water and all of the boats sailing there.

The food was so good. Joi and I had a grouper sandwich and fries. Lani had a cheeseburger and fries while Brooky chose a chicken sandwich with fries. And for dessert, we had Creme Brulee. The food was excellent and the conversation was even more fun as we sat and chuckled about different things. I just had to ask for the chef because we’d not had such a phenomenal meal in a long time. As one of the three bears said, “It was just right!”. I told the table the word of God teaches us to give honor to whom honor is due. (Romans 13:7 NKJV) And that chef was due. She was very polite and humble and told us she would have a new menu in September. We assured her we’d be back. If you ever come to St. Pete you’ve got to make a stop here—you won’t regret it.

After a delectable meal, we decided to go down and wait for the trolley to take us back to the car and as we were sitting on the bench I could not help but notice how beautiful the skies were—-it was as if the clouds were literally touching the water—it was so beautiful. And again we acknowledge how beautiful God had made this day. After a brief stint, we decided to walk back down the pier to the car.

As we were coming off the exit towards home—had to give God thanks for bringing us back safely. We ended the day with a game of Scrabble and listening to some of Bobbie’s favorite songs. A fitting end to a perfect day. Thank you, LORD.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

May the Blessings of the LORD be with you today and always. Thank you for your continued readership and support. Until next Sunday…Blessings and Peace!

Photograph in banner by c.f. leach

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