It is a Sinterclaus dance party with balloons and music and dancing. Sinterclaus is like our Santa and sits upon a throne looking chair. His helpers are called black Peter because they are the ones who slide down the chimneys with gift from Sinterclaus. Up on the festive stage, children and their families are welcomed. Each little one stands before Sinterclaus and with their family is photographed as the helpers dance around in jubilation and merriment. I see three little ones dressed in medieval garb who are waiting for their turn to dance but they do not wait still. They’ve have caught the spirit of the season and joy expands as they do.
Waterland
Take me to Waterland where there are paths of water separating the paths for cars and bicycles alike. In front and behind the houses the mini canals flow as well. The living green of the land falls away to the right and the blowing brown grasses to the left shielding the cows and horses. Driveways, like floating docks, connect the historic quaint houses over the water to the one lane road. Small villages, each one with an old church, anchor the land at random intervals. It is all surrounded by the protected land of the bird conservation area. Amsterdam’s skyline can be seen in the distance like a distant frame.
My heart lives here. My spirit cries within me to stay; to never leave; to find a way to remain connected to that which cannot be held. The beauty and peacefulness of this land speaks to my depths as if it calls me to God Himself. And I suppose it does. It is God who anchors my soul, Who offers me His ultimate beauty and peace. These villages do not need a church building to anchor them. They have the land itself; this land of living water.
AmsterdamAnne
November 20, 2021
Tripping with God: Stories of Faith and Inspiration 