Mountain Climbing

The way is steep, the path narrow, but the perspective is so much better. I climb this mountain and it takes my breath at times, and my calves scream from the stretching of muscles out of use. At its base I can't see around it, can't tunnel through it, can't dig under it, the only way is up and over. But the view is indescribable to those who don't make the trek. Things look different from above, from His viewpoint. You can see over the circumstances, the way to come, further into the distance. On the way, He leaves little traces of His own steps, love notes for you to read, treasures for you to find. Here's one He left for me on the trail this morning:

Luke 12

22-24He continued this subject with his disciples. "Don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or if the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.

25-28"Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can't even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

29-32"What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.

Leaning down to tighten up my hiking boots I trudge on, knowing that He's got the vantage point I want to look for.