Unexpected stops in life

So back in September I was heading out on a road to visit a friend and get out of the city. I packed my car with my bike, hiking gear, bible, rosary, journal, colored pencils, and well of course some clothes. The trip was a spur of the moment trip to catch up with a friend who has helped me take my faith and run with it. I was of course running late and wanted to make a stop on the way to check out a local establishment I’d heard great things about. Well wouldn’t you know it I get off the highway, only to make it to the establishment, to realize it was closed. Semi disappointed in my not calling first, I remember I had seen some signs at the exit ramp telling me that there was a National Shrine up ahead. So being the Catholic woman that I am, I pulled back onto the road and headed in the direction of the Shrine. As I got there I realized this was the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. (The exact shrine that one of the groups which I worked with while on mission this past summer was delivery a relic too!) Shrine Visitor Information

I was in luck though as the Shrine was open! (Now I did call my friend to let her know I was running late before I took off on my Shrine Adventure.) I took a tour of the shrine and said some prayers then headed for the Grotto! The walk to the grotto was one of peace and relaxation as it was filled with the most perfect breeze. The grotto was an amazing place to let prayers just flow and relax. Please enjoy the picture of the grotto I took in addition to checking out the Shrines page to enjoy more information.

The rest of my trip was filled with bike riding, hiking, and enjoying some time with a great friend in a place other than the city.

In the end unexpected stops can sometimes be the most enlightening! So with this late post I think it is begging the question of what other amazing stops have others taken in their life that have reached their heart? Do others have an interest in visiting other Churches, Shrines, Cathedrals, Holy Places? Is this something we should share more on?