Blessed are the…

Blessed are the McLains. It is such an amazing thing to be in the Holly Land as a family and walking in the same footsteps as Jesus and the disciples. 

Today we visited the same holy sites we visited three years ago, but today the kids were present. We saw the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the sermon on the mount. The church of the multiplication (the loaves and the fishes), Peter’s Primacy (Mensa Christi) and Capernaum. I am grateful that I can see these ancient sites again. I am hopeful the impact will cause the Bible stories my children have heard to come alive for them the way they have for me. Being here is such a gift.

Some fun things about today included a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, water slides in our hotel pool which launched us halfway across the kiddie pool, and spoons (with straws) with our new friends. For those keeping track, we are up to 4 seas visited; Red, Dead, Mediterranean, and Galilee. 

This region is in conflict tonight and I go to sleep with the Beatitudes as a reminder.

• Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
• Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
• Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
• Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.