mountains and valleys.

The pause from the blog these past few weeks has been intentional, as I sought refuge and quiet and an unplugged rest in the Colorado mountains. It has been delightful. A true mountaintop of experiences. Thank you for the prayers and wishes.

Mornings of strong coffee on the deck overlooking God's creation.
Sounds of the creek trickling and laughter from children exploring dirt and rocks and sticks and wild raspberries.
Memories made with family - snapshots captured eternally in my heart.
Getting back to the basics of life and earth and family.
Campfires and singing praises to our Creator.
Watching wildlife in their habitats - as a mere spectator. (thankfully no bears!)
Cool evenings and daily storms watering the forest.
Sunrises and sunsets followed by full moon skies.
Conversations that would not have happened otherwise.
Books read and quiet times enjoyed daily.
Climbing and conquering a mountain - a true adventure with the one I love.
Weekend away in luxury with just the husband.
Self-reflection. Heart-refection. Confession. Prayer.

Such a rare treasure - cabin time. Family time. Mountain time. A treasure not taken lightly.

As we were planning to return to City life last weekend (please note :I'm not sure I'm ever prepared), we received a call that stopped the world from spinning a bit. My world, that is.

My dear aunt passed away, after a year battle with cancer. I had said my goodbyes at the conclusion of each visit over the past year - and God graciously allowed me one more hour with her last Wednesday before she left us on Friday.

Though she and I saw God through different lenses, I loved hearing what she learned in this last year of knowing her time on earth was limited. Though many things were mentioned, one stood out among the rest as the most profound. That she was not in control. She said her experience of God was deeper  - she felt Him nearer in her valley this past year.  She reminded me of much - the important things - to love well and to be thankful for the valleys where we can experience God the most.

Loss. Goodbye. Emptiness.

Never ready, but always known.

Such a contrast to the rest and joy experienced during the first few weeks of our trip. Yet, such gratitude that the Lord allowed us weeks of laughter to lead into a week of sorrow. A mountaintop experience followed by the valley. That's how life works, I've found.

Mountains and valleys. They cannot exist apart from each other.

The perspective is gained on the mountain top, but the vision is first cast down in the valley.



David and I climbed a 14-er mountain a few weekends ago. Starting out on the trail - you never really know what is ahead of you. It's just about one foot in front of the other. At points along the 7 mile trail, you can see the summit, and the vision is cast.

But, it's not until you summit - and feel your heart pounding out of your chest - that you look across mountain range upon mountain range, that you gain an accurate perspective.

(This is a view of the mountain we climbed from another mountain. Perspective. I assure you I probably would not have climbed it if I had seen it in it's entirety. Another lesson of God's grace in not letting us see the big picture.)

Perspective. How small we are. How great God is. How tough the journey up. Then, how increasingly difficult the journey down.

It brings a song by Steven Curtis Champman to mind.  In The Mountain Champman sings, "My faith is strengthened by all that I see. You make it easy for me to believe, up on the mountain." He prays, "Lord help me remember what you've taught me, up on the mountain." Then the song concludes with, "But, I know we are headed for a Valley..."

We are assured of life's mountains and valleys, though we don't know them by name.

It's remembering when we have seen God's face and experienced his love and walked with his faithfulness and his steady provision that allow us to face the valley, confidently and securely...and to keep... walking step by step where the trail may lead.

(Oh the mountain analogies are endless!)

His love is steadfast from either vantage point. His hand ever leading. His promises sure.

Psalm 121

¹I lift up my eyes to the hills.
   From where does my help come?
² My help comes from the LORD,
   who made heaven and earth.

 ³He will not let your foot be moved;
   he who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴Behold, he who keeps Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵The LORD is your keeper;
   the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

 ⁷The LORD will keep you from all evil;
   he will keep your life.
⁸The LORD will keep
   your going out and your coming in
   from this time forth and forevermore.