I don’t know what it is, but San Francisco holds an allure for me.  Never having spent any time in San Francisco, it was always the place I desired to go when things got too chaotic or stressful in my work life.  It became the quick and unthinking answer to the question “Where shall we go?”  San Francisco, of course!

In the summer of 2009 I actually made it to San Francisco.  I spent six weeks on campus at San Francisco Theological Seminary to continue work on a Doctor of Ministry degree.  It was a beautiful six weeks and my friend and I took every opportunity to see the sights and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

So it was with great joy that I returned to San Francisco two weeks ago to receive that degree.  After a five and a half hour trans-continental flight, we landed in beautiful, sunny, San Francisco and following lunch, made our way directly to the Presidio.   It was a postcard perfect day!  God’s grace displayed in the natural beauty of the area is hard to ignore.  People were out walking and biking, picnicking and sailing.  Somehow the slower pace of individuals and activities was a welcome respite from the mad dashing and hectic movements of Washington D.C.

The amazing beauty, the beautiful day, the leisurely pace and the fact that we were on vacation all contributed to our sense of well-being and peace.  If you have ever wondered what God’s grace looks like, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit San Francisco!