Two thousand years ago the Romans were powerful, but rude, and missed the more important things in life. Today you Americans are powerful, but rude, and are missing the more important things in life.
That was a caution from our host, Roberto Russo, the owner of a working farm villa in Cortona, Italy. You may remember the movie Under The Tuscan Sun. It was filmed in Cortona and the film crew actually stayed on the farm for several months and shot a scene there.
Roberto may be right. We were at this romantic Tuscan vineyard for four nights, and he taught us how to slow down a bit. One day we helped harvest grapes and learned some of the finer points of making a great wine. Here Roberto is showing us how you can actually hear a large vat of grapes beginning to ferment.
Italians enjoy the journey and celebrate relationships like nowh
ere else I’ve been. They may not be as powerful as us, but I learned some important lessons from this place.
So what do you think…are Americans powerful but rude? Are we missing the more important things in life?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? – Matthew 6
Well in the end who is MORE powerful. Could it be those who quietly influence culture to a more gentle way of life so we can actually think for once? And which culture will leave a bigger legacy? American’s don’t seem to care about legacy all that much…Do they? It would seem there are too many things to get done in our own little lives and our own little bucket lists. Americans don’t seem to really think or ponder things…we stew. When is the last time you (meaning anyone) had time to read a book for pleasure or ate something that made you stop and think about how much you like it (and it didn’t make you feel guilty!). God made the world to be enjoyed by our senses. When we do, we can have a slight glimpse of what He has planned for eternity when we finally cast of the humanity we cling to and live where our souls belong after being cleansed by God himself-to be loved, cherished, respected, safe, pure, satisfied, purposeful, whole and fulfilled. To live is Christ, to die is gain. Take away Christ from a Christian’s life and they should have nothing left…nothing.
Ahhhhhhh…that was nice to type out. Thanks for the forum to do so. =)
An
Ann,
I’m glad I provided the opportunity to feel better. I guess i did pick up some lessons on that farm.
And, we do have way too many lists it seems.
Ed
I agree that we seem to be in such a rush and miss the simple joys of life. I know I’m guilty of this. It’s hard to know what to cut out of my life so that I can do this better.
one thought I did have when reading the quote by your Italian friend was, “I wonder how many mid-westerners he’s met? I don’t think we’re so rude.
” Maybe he needs to visit the heart of America and discover that we’re not all so powerful and rude. 
he he
-Bek
Bek,
I’m sure he would never perceive Americans as such had he met a few of us wonderful Midwestern folks.
And you’re right on…
Prioritization is the key to effectiveness. That’s what I’m learning at 52. And that takes some real discipline to do. I’m not sure we can pull it off without trusted partners to keep us honest with ourselves and committed to our plan.
Ed
Ann:When is the last time you (meaning anyone) had time to read a book for pleasure or ate something that made you stop and think about how much you like it (and it didn’t make you feel guilty!)
The last set of parentheses really hit me. Why the guilt?