Nestled amid stately trees about two-thirds of the way up a hill (which this Indiana girl is convinced is a small mountain) is this tiny stone chapel built by Werner Von Trapp of the Von Trapp family as fulfillment of a promise he made to God during World War II.
I'm certain this location was chosen on purpose. Between the solid stone structure and its seasonally changing surroundings, it is a place of peace, of serenity. In the late spring, before Father's Day, it's likely that you can visit the chapel on your own, as I did in June 2018. Unused to hiking, I took several breaks as I trekked up the path to the chapel, relying heavily on the hiking staff I'd purchased at the lodge's outdoor center. The silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the passing of the wild inhabitant, was deafening. There was no one but me on the path that day, no one but me as I opened the door to this beautiful building which was barely big enough to hold maybe a half-dozen people standing and stepped inside.
The stillness spoke to me, whispering at me to stop, take a breath, let the serenity of the place wash over me. Yes, I marveled over the construction of the building, the interesting architecture, the time-worn altar, the prayer requests tucked in among the rafters. But mostly I just soaked in the quiet.
In our busy world, it seems we rarely take the time to soak in these moments of peace and quiet. We go, go, go until we drop into bed at night for what may or may not be a restful sleep. This busyness doesn't serve us without taking the time to stop, breathe, and go quiet. Maybe it's a moment of prayer, a time of meditation, or simply being still. It is these moments that keep us grounded, make us aware of what's around us, and help calm us in the midst of our busyness. It's little wonder that in more than one place, the psalmist advised us to "Be still."
Eventually I headed back down the hill, relying once again on my hiking staff, vowing to visit again. And one day I will, and I will soak in the peace of this little chapel once again. But until then, I will pause, go quiet, and be still.
Prayer Chapel, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT (photos taken 6/12/18)
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