The Biltmore- Home

We stood on the stone wall taking in the view. The gardens lie to the left of the home, the stables to the right, and the driveway continues along the gate to the front steps and then exits. Everyone that we meet associated with the home is kind and welcoming which is truly refreshing compared to the days that are filled with some who choose otherwise.

Decidedly we stepped to see the stables first, which have been converted to small shops, a café, a restaurant, and an ice cream parlor. As I stood leaning against the brick wall waiting for my family I took in the evidence of the time and labor that must have been taken in building the stables. The brick floor, the detail of the stable doors, even the sizes of each stable grabbed my attention. I could almost hear the horses shoes clacking along the brick. The rider speaking and caring for the horse and the stable hand helping with food and hay. For a moment I stepped into that view and almost forgot I was surrounded by people shopping.

The craftsmanship of the house reminded me of old cathedrals and was breathtaking to me. The gargoyles that arched their necks above us, the lion statues that guarded the door, the details and figures in the stone above the entry way, each different- each told a story or held a symbol of meaning that I could only imagine.

Here I stood with my family, taking it all in. I couldn’t help but think we made it. We were actually at the Biltmore and walking to its entrance.  I could hardly believe it, stepping up into the front door I was overjoyed.  Beginning our self guided tour we turned to the right and gazed at the room that was filled with plants of a great variety. These plants didn’t belong here all the time, but were so positioned beneath the glass cathedral ceiling in order to maintain growth throughout the winter season.

Here in this moment looking into this glass ceiling that was comprised of great wooden arches of grand design that had been labored over meticulously and with great care, I remembered what Jesus said about going ahead to prepare a room for us in John 14. Verse 2 reads, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” In the same moment I remembered that all these earthly things will pass away and a new heaven and a new earth will come. And those who have done the will of God will live forever. (1 John 2:17 and Revelation 21:1)

As I contemplated these truths I stood there pondering it all. I can’t even imagine what that beauty will be like knowing Christ has gone ahead to prepare it.

Hebrews 12:1-3

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.