Mountains

Source: Mountains

Mountains

I’m learning to climb mountains. Here in Central Oregon, daily I view the volcanic central Cascade Moutain Range.  And a longing for adventure sparks in my spirit.

I love the wilderness…the forest…the pristine lakes and waterfalls…the mountains.  By venturing outside of my little one-room bunkhouse, by stepping off of the ranch for a bit, and by setting aside my work mentally and physically, I find myself reenergized for my calling.  Sometimes it’s so hard to stop and commit to adventuring and I plain don’t want to put feet and effort to my rest from work. I often retreat and stay home. Each time I do adventure, however, I return body tired and heart full.

And it’s the heart, not the body, that keeps me going.

Learning to climb, guaging my speed, and testing my endurance all teaches me a lot.  Then wonder comes to light as I realize there is so much MORE than my perspective about me.  I might be thinking about my puffy breaths or straining muscles…until I look UP and OUT.  Incredible forest towers around, a brilliant rainbow hovers like a halo around a foaming waterfall, and views of snowcapped summits peak through the trees.

 

God’s creation is incredible.  And He patiently waits for us to get out and explore His gift to us.  As Thanksgiving approaches, why not give thanks by truly receiving and experiencing the wild gifts He’s given?