Happy Monday, friends! Make it a good one!
Walking through the doors of St Lorenz Lutheran Church took my breath away. The Frankenmuth, Michigan landmark is a popular stop for self guided tours but we had the place to ourselves last Thursday.
What a stroke of luck this was.
This gorgeous brick building was constructed in 1880 and expanded in 1966. Impressive doesn’t begin to describe the soaring stained glass windows, extensive woodwork, choir loft and pump organ that seems to reach toward the heavens.
The congregation dates to 1845 when the first German immigrants to Frankenmuth first met in a log cabin. The following year, a wave of new immigrants created an increasing need for a larger church.
The air feels different in here and the light is extraordinary. Despite being the only two people here, I couldn’t bring myself to speak above a whisper. It was just so beautiful I hated to sully my surroundings with my words.
There are so many wonderful details.
It’s all beautiful. Everywhere you look, there’s something amazing to see – even in the mundane.
In addition to seeing the church, the cemetery across the road is home to some historic graves and a replica log cabin church.
They do still have services here. Go on the second Sunday each month and enjoy the service in German.
Visit the Make The Journey Fun Facebook page for a quick cell phone video of the inside of this church.
Today I head home after a week of gallivanting and adventuring with my cousin Sherrie. Her brother called us the modern day Thelma and Louise.
For months we had planned a trip to Savannah but got spooked by possible storm damage and flooding caused by the hurricane. So, I consulted my handy list of endless possibilities for a trip and we agreed on something fun that we were able to throw together literally overnight.
We ended up heading north instead of south and spent the week poking around Michigan in the Petoskey area. We strolled around Mackinaw Island, watched the sun set from Sleeping Bear Dunes, got our feet wet in Lake Michigan, admired barns, churches and lighthouses and swooned over classic cars cruising the main drag in Frankenmuth after shopping at the town’s world famous Christmas shop.
There was good food, thrifting, rainbows and buckets full of rain. When the weather turned sour, we redirected and did something different than we wanted and had a fabulous time anyway.
We also met some fascinating people along the way including a gas station philosopher I’ll tell you about some day.
That’s the thing about this journey called life. Sometimes it goes as planned. Sometimes, a hurricane throws you off path. Sometimes that alternate route is better than you imagined possible.
Cancel the plans and do something better. Take the detour. Accept a stranger’s recommendation. Go look for the thing that everyone else passes by, and once in a while, follow the crowd. Maybe there’s a crowd gathered for a great reason.
I ate way too many rich foods this trip and look forward to getting back into some healthier eating habits. We were awake early and out late so a better sleep routine is welcome too. I look forward to seeing that little black cat of mine as well.
Isn’t it wonderful to go out on grand adventures and yet be glad to go home? It is true. Even if you are Thelma and Louise – there’s no place like home!