The Cathedral

I don't believe in organized religion,
but there is something amazing that happens everytime I walk into a cathedral.

The stained glass windows depicting events that go on today,
and a woman alone in her prayer praying in the exact same spot as a woman who prayed there 100 years ago. Maybe it's the same woman?

I find solace surrounded by the stone walls,
a kind of damp and dark feeling contrasts the sunlight which pierces through the images we should be paying more attention to.

The cathedral I visited today was an eclectic mix of different styles and periods across Europe from Gothic to Celtic to Renaissance.

Despite the beautiful images imprinted in my mind, what I remember most is the lone woman praying. There was no one else seated in any of the 100's of little wooden chairs laid out facing the center alter, only her. At first she kind of just sat there in thought, she was inside herself and inside whatever it was she saw before her. In what looked like a desperate plea, she finally leaned forward resting her arms on the chair before her and clasped her hands in prayer, letting her head rest on the clasp.

Walking by her you could feel the weight of her thoughts and her sadness...it's heavier than your own...all you can do is give her your prayer and walk on.