“The mountains are calling…and I must go” – John Muir, Legendary Naturalist

“See you at the top of the mountain” is usually what my friends say to me when we go hiking. They know my pace is much slower. I have been so blessed with friends and family that share my love of the mountains. I have always enjoyed hiking and taking a break by getting away from it all with a quiet walk there. My aging earth suit ( body) has placed limits on me, but I refuse to let aches and pains to keep me from enjoying God’s beautiful creation. John Muir was a key influence in the formation of our national parks. He wrote in 1912, while camping in what later became Yosemite National Park: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to the body and soul.” That is still so true today.
Two of my favorite Bible verses always come to my mind when I visit the mountains.” Be still and know I am God” ( Psalm 46: 10) reminds me the importance of focusing on the majesty of God. Isaiah 30:15 states: ” In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” It is in a quiet place, free from distractions that our strength can be renewed. This isn’t limited to the mountains. It could be by a lake, stream, ocean, or your own backyard watching the sunset. It also doesn’t always require a whole day or afternoon, sometimes just a few minutes will encourage you.
We are all on life’s journey. Please take time to enjoy time with the Creator of Heaven and Earth…