I love the mountains here in Santa Fe; they help me to appreciate the majesty and wonder of God’s creation. Hiking in the fall is especially magical, with the aspens ablaze in gold; I call the fallen aspen leaves “God’s confetti”, and imagine Him joyfully scattering them. My time spent out in this breathtaking beauty is a balm for my soul and a refreshment for my spirit.
During the course of a wonderful conversation with a young friend yesterday, I shared a thought that came from Beth Moore a few years ago. When she spoke at a women’s conference in Albuquerque, she talked about how we continually ask God to help us climb over those “mountains” in our lives.
What struck me was her statement that, while we focus on the challenges of scaling the terrain before us, sometimes God brings us around to the other side of the mountain without our knowing it…and we refuse to step away.
Although this awareness struck a chord with me, and caused me to think about those “mountains” I was trying to navigate at that time in my life, the concept had slipped into my archives. I relayed this memory to my friend in hopes that it would help a mutual acquaintance in the midst of a troubled time.
How subtle God is in His ways! Later in the day, as the mist of my vision lifted, my own “mountain” came into view behind me….once again. There it stood – a massive hulk of earth and stone, casting a huge shadow on my mind and weighing down my heart, smothering the lightness that I so desire. How did I get to this place….again? And do I have the wherewithal – and the faith – to step away, to trust that God led me to this other side because there are fresh paths to traverse?
In the book, Sacred Companions by David G. Benner, he describes faith as “a response to a call to a journey – a journey of following and trusting God as he leads us on the adventure he has planned for us.” I daresay that at times, life seems more like a stint on The Survivor series rather than an exhilarating experience!
Each of us has our own “mountain range” – unique in its treacherous passes , awe inspiring heights, and verdant valleys. In your travels, I encourage you to leave those burdensome “mountains” behind, celebrate your passage to the other side, and set your sights on the inspiring vistas ahead that will take your breath away.
As I prepare worship music for tomorrow’s retreat, I am struck by these words from All the Way My Savior Leads Me, a favorite of mine by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman .
“You lead me, and keep me from falling, You carry me, close to Your heart, and surely, Your goodness and mercy will follow me.”
I can take the first step away from that “mountain”….and I will….
beWARM 
You are such a beautiful writer!!!!! Thank you for your inspiring words (not that I’m not spoiled with them all the time). I’m soooooo happy you are enjoying this, mom!!!!! Xo
How timely your blog was for me this morning. I was awake most of the night staring, as you so aptly put it at a “massive hulk of earth and stone, casting a huge shadow on my mind and weighing down my heart, smothering the lightness that I so desire” and keeping me from much needed sleep.
This morning in the sunlight of this beautiful Fall day I can see clearly the path God has set out for me and feel confident that He is there beside me all the way and He will lead me and keep me from falling.
As I read Romans 8:37-39 once again this morning He assured me that none of my worst fears of the future can ever separate me from His love in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jean Luther
How true! May you rest well tonight, certain that God’s arms circle round you…
Yes, those mountains! If I can “just” remember to step up the prayers, meditation, reading, and being with Christian friends.
“Just” is the problem. I know it turns around in minutes, hours days, with patience and devotion. And of course, those mountains are a delight to the devil, his playground to frolic in.
Keep on writing!!!!
Let’s “just” journey along…together! :)