Go Tell It on This Mountain

 

And our saga continues -- from the majestic, soul-stirring heights of Crested Butte, Colorado.

Just when I thought we’d soaked in all the beauty we could, yesterday surprised us again. Turns out it was the official opening of the summer ski lift season! Carl and I jumped at the chance (well -- stepped carefully at our age) to ride to the top of the world – looking down and all around at God’s creation – well, at least the top of Crested Butte.

Below us were fearless mountain bikers flying off ramps, hikers zigzagging up dusty trails, and then there was us -- riding the lift up like royalty. Once we reached the top, we hiked a good ways to where the mountains stood undistracted -- just pure majesty, layered in blues and greens and grace. Honestly, it felt like the icing on the cake… if that cake were three tiers tall and covered in pine trees.

Now, I know I’ve written quite a bit lately about mountains -- mountains we climb, mountains that get in our way, and mountains we ask God to move. But yesterday wasn’t about moving a mountain.  It was about marveling at one.

“The Lord is great and greatly to be praised… the mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth” (Psalm 97:5).

Standing up there, wind in my hair and worship in my heart, I couldn’t help but hum God Bless America—“from the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam...” And then came the next one: “Go Tell It on the Mountain!” It just bubbled up in me.

Because I’ve got something to tell: our God is mighty, creative, and closer than we think -- even closer than the air that carried us up that mountain today.

Not feeling close to God lately? Then may I gently nudge you: step outside. Take a walk. Gaze up. Let creation preach to you. As Psalm 19:1 reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

Whether you're at sea level or 12,000 feet up, the same God who formed these peaks longs to lift your heart. And maybe -- just maybe -- it’s time to go tell your mountain about your God.