Wednesday was a sharp contrast to the natural beauty of Amazonia - the capital city of Brasilia.
This city replaced Rio de Janeiro as Brazil's centre of government in the 1960s (and it shows - sometimes in a good way!)
Under the visionary leadership of President Juscelino Kubitschek ( stayed in a hotel named after him) the city was designed to bring together the diverse talents and skills of the newly independent Brazil. Established in the desert area of central Brazil, the city is a superb example of the work of architect Oscar Niemeyer, urban planner Lucio Costa and landscape architect Burle Marx ( see picture in previous blog). Their futuristic dream of a perfectly modelled 'city state' is evidenced in the many (literally!) ground-breaking buildings - some now sadly showing their age...
I was able to join the 80 or so midday worshippers of all ages, gathered to celebrate the Eucharist and, for me, this was also an opportunity ( in contrast to the Amazon) to thank God for the human skills and talents evidenced in the buildings around me....
Perhaps its my Bible study (James ) but I was also reminded of the need to place all our plans ( including our building plans) into God's hands seeking for God's will to be done in this as in all things...
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ Commit your future and your plans to God..."(James 1:17)
Thank-you, Stuart.
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