Ramble On

By Donna Tobey
Traveling has offered me some very interesting life experiences. I love to travel and my most recent trip was to Italy; Florence, Venice and Rome in a small group of 8 people. Seems like every “tour” group I have taken has allowed me time to ramble on by myself at some point. This trip was no different. I opted to separate from the group one day because I wanted an extra day to ramble Florence.
As with all ramble days, I am never certain how they will come together. Part of the adventure is allowing Spirit to lead the way. I begin by asking to be shown what it is I need to see or know. I then let go of any outcomes and enjoy the day as it unfolds. It is an unusual way to walk through a day but I always come away learning some major life lesson. I love knowing that there is a living God who responds to all questions that are asked, right here, right now. Security at its finest!
Traveling alone in a country where you don’t speak the language, don’t have a cell phone or the usual safety nets of every day life requires faith. It really is a game of TRUST. Tuning in to your heart, listening to the directions that are given and following through with the guidance you receive. I like to think that practice makes perfect.
A friend had told me that if I had the chance, it was worth the effort to hear the Gregorian chanting at Basilica San Miniato. I had just left the Uffizi Gallery and wasn’t sure that I could make it in time. The Basilica was going to require transportation of some sort. I asked a gallery worker if she would call a taxi for me without any luck. I was just about to give up and change directions. I walked out of the Uffizi Gallery and waiting at the foot of the stairs was an empty cab. An answer!
The Gregorian chanting was mesmerizing and worth all effort to hear it. When I went outside to leave, the area was dark and deserted. No people, no taxis, no way back to the hotel. I had not even considered this a possibility! I was alone in the dark, someplace unfamiliar.
It is in times like these that I live and learn to ASK and then I receive. My first natural instinct is fear, always. And then I remember that if I am alive, I am connected. It is this connection that allows me to receive the next right step. So I ask some more, listen and trust.
I started walking and came upon a bathroom with an attendant who spoke English. He was able to tell me exactly where to go and how to get a taxi back to my hotel. A Godsend. An answer. Another valuable lesson learned.