The Pink Dome

There are a lot of special treats that go along with working at the Texas Capitol. Yesterday the perk was a tour of the Dome. A representative from the Preservation Board hosted the group of six up into areas of the Capitol not generally open to the public, giving us information on the history and the architecture of the building.

Taking the elevator from the basement level to the fourth floor of the Capitol, we began our stair climbing trek up -- and up -- and up. At its pinnacle, the Dome looms 22 stories above the ground. Our upwards journey was interrupted on numerous occasions as we stopped at first one level and then another to venture outside to see the majestic views. A storm line moved through shortly before our tour, washing the air clean, and leaving a brisk wind in its wake. But the temperature was in the low seventies and it was a near perfect day to see for twenty plus miles in all directions.

A shot of the star that is the focal point of the dome taken from the center of the rotunda on the ground floor is a must take picture for most visitors to the Capitol. What appears to be a small star from the bottom is actually eight feet across. Looking up is impressive. But, leaning over the edge and looking down is not for the faint hearted.

Each time I take the tour of the Dome, I learn something new. This time it was about how the weight of the dome is actually designed to hold the walls of the Capitol in place. The tons of granite are supported on steel buttresses which push in against the walls, using the weight to counter the natural tendency for the walls to collapse under a flat roof. So, what looks like only a decoration on top of the pink granite building is actually integral to holding the entire building together.

And, isn't that just like God? Oftentimes in our lives, we have heavy burdens. We miss the fact that sometimes the weight is to counter balance the otherwise natural tendency for our lives to collapse.

Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12