cathedral of st. john the divine

i had read somewhere that one of the biggest cathedrals in the world was in nyc
we decided to try and find it
it's fitting to write about such a place this easter week
we were initially tricked into believing the cathedral by president grant's tomb was the biggest
then we just happened upon this baby and instantly knew we had found the one.
the interior was something else.
there was an enormous chapel and then there were wings with smaller chapels
each chapel was exquisite.
beautiful.

some interesting info
the ground breaking was in 1892
it still isn't completely finished.... which has donned it the nickname st. john the unfinished
it vies for the title of largest anglican cathedral and church in the world
it's the fourth largest christian church in the world
the interior is 121,000 square feet
barbedienne cast the bronze doors (the same man that did the statue of liberty)
it includes 7 different chapels
the biblical garden contains herbs and plants which appear in the bible
the rose stained glass window is 40 feet in diameter and has 10,000 pieces of glass

here are a few pictures from this grand cathedral

 two phoenix sculptures hang from the ceiling 

by artist xu bing

each weigh 12 tons

are made of tools and debris from demolition sites

the tapestries and windows were unbelievable

 detail everywhere like you can't believe

 one of the 7 other chapels

the ceiling in a wing 

another chapel

this was something else.
i looked at the detail, thought about the time, the sacrifice, and the type of love these people have for God.
there was a reverent feel to the place.
i believe God was in this place- i have felt God stronger in other places- but i could feel him here.
feeling him here helped me feel him on the streets- helped me see the different ways people love God.
helped me love people and realize we have a commonality.
i love God and so do they.
if honesty is to be spoken they may show their love more fully than i do. although i love him equally as much.
they preach of him on subways.
they praise him in the streets.
they build immaculate shrines to show their reverence.
it makes me want to be more open about sharing my love-
so others can feel what i felt at this place but 100 fold more because that's how much more i have felt God where i have felt him most.
grateful to find God in this city.
he is in everything and everywhere if you look for him.
here's to finding a more deepened love for our Savior and God his father.
hope you have a fine easter weekend.