“Open my eyes so that I can see all the wonderful things in your teachings.” — Psalm 119:18
I often pray, “Lord, open my eyes so that I may see all the wondrous things You have for me.” In Psalm 119:18 David asks the Lord to open his eyes so he can contemplate the wonderful things in God’s instructions. I long to seek and understand God’s ways in His Word, and I believe He also reveals Himself through the world around us. What a wonderful world it becomes when we look through our “God goggles.”
Leaving Frankfurt Airport, I couldn’t get out of that airport fast enough. But after a short nap on the plane, I woke to the Swiss Alps—majestic, their peaks blanketed in white. My eyes were ready for the wonders God had prepared.
Soon the snow-capped mountains gave way to islands rimmed with white sand. Landing in Split for our Croatian tour felt like stepping back centuries—into a place where history and beauty meet.
Our transfer from the hotel to the Old Town was aboard a 1943 vessel. Awaiting us while docked in aquamarine water, its vintage boat made me half expect to be wearing a long, flowing 1930s dress cinched at the waist and a wide-brimmed hat to shade the sun.
Our transportation to our old city tour
Everywhere we went in Croatia, the layers of history were transparent. It was a true cultural melting pot. Gothic and Renaissance details from the 16th century sit alongside 11th-century Romanesque features, while Venetian influence leaves its unmistakable mark on the strong-towering buildings. Cobblestone streets and narrow alleys are thick with stories; with each step, you feel the centuries beneath your feet.
On an inner wall in Dubrovnik hung a large map detailing the devastation of the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995). Although Dubrovnik suffered roughly 2,000 direct hits and many buildings were burned or damaged, the town today has been beautifully restored and stands resilient — its historic walls and sunlit streets shining brighter for having survived.
Meandering through alleyways toward the sea, we found a hole in the wall. Curiosity led us down a stone passage into a cavern that opened onto a breathtaking view of the Adriatic. Waves crashed on the rocks below and layered platforms invited us to sit and stare. Locals and tourists chatted as they lounged on the cliffs, jumped into the Mediterranean, and sipped from a tented bar. We learned there are two Buža Bar locations—one busy and perched on high cliffs for daring jumps, the other quieter and more secluded, the very spot we stumbled upon.
Whether you stay in the city or wander into the countryside, Croatia’s sights invite you to explore its rich history and to pause in awe of God’s glorious creation.
Ahhh, Lord, open my eyes so that I may see the wonderful things You have for me. Amen.
A wedding photo shoot…why, yes!
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie