Today after church a big group got together and went down to the garden of Gethsemane. It was really a lovely walk, because to get there you walk through the Orson Hyde Memorial Park on a winding path down a hillside that's beautifully landscaped. They've planted all kinds of native Jerusalem foliage and it made me feel like this was the Jerusalem I thought I would see. I mean, the city is different and exciting, but it's still modernized and just doesn't have that same Biblical feel to it that these gardens did.
Gethsemane itself wasn't exactly what I had pictured. They have a small plot of garden that is really beautifully kept and has trees that the gardener told us are over 2000 years old, and the trunks are all gnarled and cool looking. But the garden is fenced in, and you can only walk around the outside. I heard that they sometimes let small groups of BYU students into the garden areas (as we were leaving I saw another one across the street that was also part of Gethsemane) but there were a ton of us today and there were a lot of other tourists too. But like, the main part of the site was a gigantic church. I didn't go inside (or get a good enough view of the outside), but I think it might have been the Church of All Nations, which I know is located at Gethsemane. So it was just this small garden plot, and I sat on a stone bench that was built into the wall of the church to read some scriptures.
I read the accounts of Gethsemane and the crucifixion in Luke and I got about halfway through the one in Mark before we left, and it was amazing how real the story became to me. I'm not even sure if it was just being in that place- I don't think that the place of Christ's suffering really looked much like it- but like, the spirit in which I went, coupled with the knowledge I've already gained about the geography of the area (from my field trip) really made the scriptures come alive for me. I've never gone so deep into a scripture story before, I don't think. It really put a whole new perspective on the Atonement for me. I can't wait to go to the Garden Tomb and ponder the resurrection, and go back to Gethsemane. Being here and being able to visit these places really makes my Sabbath into a day of worship, which I'm really grateful for.
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In gardening having a sense of place is very important. That is, knowing your surroundings and environment and using those to your advantage. You certainly did that today, you used the sense of place to learn and experience more about the Savior. I'm kind of jealous. Savor these momentsof pondering and reflection, even without the marvelous place, I rarely get more than 3 minutes to myself.
ReplyDeleteHey Sweetie, I am so glad you are having these experiences. When I hear you making the most of them, I am so grateful Heavenly Father sent you to us and that he helped me send you on this experience. This will be life changing for you if you let it, and it sounds like you are. Remember the Savior doesn't force us to come to him, he waits patiently, hoping that all he has done for us will taken advantage of by those who reverence and love Him. When we do, we put ourselves that much closer to where He is. Keep up the blogging, they are great to read. Love you, Dad
ReplyDeleteI am glad to read that your testimony is growing in a deeper and more personal way. It does give added perspective to visit the places where sacred accounts happen. Thanks for sharing your testimony with us. Love, Mom
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