Dublin and John's Lane Church

John's Lane Church: Big, Grand, and Old School
Courtesy: lonelyplanet.com

David, Anna, and I went to Dublin a few weeks back. I have to get used to the fact that a big city in Europe doesn't mean big skyscrapers and disgruntled New Yorkers walking briskly with their Starbucks in their hands. No, Dublin seemed pretty chill, especially after living in Chicago for four years. It has a big city vibe, but I felt less tension there than in Belfast. Maybe it was because we went to touristy areas in Dublin? I don't know. I plan on going back again though, so hopefully time will tell. Anyway, we did a couple of awesome things while we were in Dublin...

• We saw where Oscar Wilde had lived and his cool statue. I always forget how much I admire that guy and enjoy his work. I have to read more of his stuff.
• We went inside the art museum.
• Visited the Dublin Castle.
• Went to the Guinness Storehouse. Duh.
• Saw some live music at The Temple Bar.

But what really stuck out for me was John's Lane Church, which we stopped at after the Guinness Storehouse. Really, really cool. It was opened to the public in 1874, so it's not that old, yet it has an old school vibe to it that I really like.

NOTE: Before I gush over Catholic churches, let it be known that I love being a Presbyterian. Sometimes our churches aren't as cool, though. As sad as this may be, I have come to terms with this reality and have embraced it. But fear not. Even if Catholics often times have cooler churches, they don't have cool committees like we Presbyterians do. Am I right? Yes, I am right. Back to the blog.

Catholic churches really have a way of putting things into perspective for me. They are one of the few places I can go that make me just want to stay, pray, and spend some one on one time with God. When you enter, they have a sense of awe to them. I instantly feel the need to be quiet, open, and to listen for God. I feel so small in them, but in a good way. It reminds me that God is bigger than everything, as corny as that sounds. That the world doesn't revolve around me. God created so much more than me. John's Lane Church even has nice padded areas for your knees. Take note, Protestant churches. Not nearly enough of you have those.

While I was at John's Lane Church, I gave a silent prayer of praise. I thanked God for such a supportive church back home, for loving family and friends, for the opportunity to travel and to see more of the world, that I had other YAV's with me, and that I had a really great day. It was a humbling experience.

Stay tuned for the next blog! Thanks for reading!