Off to Taize, Burgundy

Kyl in Macon, France

April 12, 2008
Took a beautiful walk. How can one city be so full of beauty? If you lived there do you even notice it? Got packed. They let us leave our heavy bags at the hotel for two weeks. There is no way we could carry those suitcases around with us. Especially since one of them is about to fall apart.
Didn’t buy tickets until we got to the the station (Gare de Lyon) which was a mistake as they only had 1st class tickets left so we had to spend more money than we wanted. First class is not much nicer so it really is a waste of money. We had plenty of time at the station so we had breakfast before departure.- croissant, tortine, coffee, jus d’orange for about $12.00.
We are headed to the town of Macon. It is in the Burgundy wine region. This is the closest big town to Taize where we will be for a week at a retreat. I’m a little anxious about Taize. I have no idea what to expect. Am I too nervous of a person to actually slow down and meditate for 7 days? What is this entire year about? Will I waste this year? What will I get out of it? Who cares if I learn Italian? Where does that get me?
Will I do all the reading and studying that I want to? It’s a scary thing having a year to do exactly what you want to. Most importantly, I want to grow spiritually. Have more direction in my life. Be less selfish.
Looking out the TGV window-clouds, some very dark ones. The countryside is lovely. Lots of newly sprouted green fields. I wonder what is growing? Lots of fields of bright yellow flowers as well. The very simple villages are scattered here and there. White cows grazing in the fields. It all seems so untouched by human hands.