Mountain Top Experience

Seems I’m on a roll, rather a climb. A couple of weeks ago I shared my “cross” mountain top experience in Mexico that led to a great header for my website. Now, two days in a row, I’m still climbing and talking about mountains.

My granddaughter and I started at the bottom of the steep Cascade mountain from where we had ridden down in a truck to a beautiful creek for family photos and water fun. We could have opted for the ride back up the mountain in the truck, but, it was Alexia's idea for us to take the climb. Me, being the “all in” Nana for as long as I can, boarded her idea instead of the truck! It was steep in many places, and I lost my footing a couple of times, still, we kept anchoring our feet in as we made our way upward. We finally reached the top unscathed. It was by no means a major feat, but we still knew the thrill of accomplishing our goal to arrive at the top and see the panoramic view.

My 12-year-old grandson doesn't play competitive sports. He's more of a free-spirit, loves his many animals and hanging out with them AND climbing – anything! I’ll be honest, when I see him climbing some tall trees or the steep, rocky hills from their creek, I hold my breath, but he always conquers. He often goes to the rock-climbing gym and can spend hours there. He beats mature climbers to the top. He sets his climbing goal, scales the wall, and enjoys the reward of self-accomplishment.

There are so many bonuses and benefits at the top of a mountain. My husband and I were downhill snow skiers with our two children. A ski trip was a part of most of our winters. Oh, how I loved the ski lodges at the base of the mountain where we could warm up and enjoy hot drinks and a meal. But the real bonus was conquering the mountain – going up on the ski lifts and making it down without injury. His were the black diamond slopes with our kids and mine was z-ing down the green, easy-peasy slopes. I was quite proud of myself and it didn’t matter how long it took me – my goal was to arrive in one piece.

Mountains. Hills. Rock-Climbing Walls. We can go around them, dig a tunnel through them, fly over them, ride a ski lift up them, blow them up, turn around and go back the way we came, just sit and cry about them, OR, as hard as it may be, we can climb them, and feel the thrill of accomplishment when we reach the top and back at the bottom. My takeaway from all climbs is setting a goal, having a strong belief in who we are and what we are capable of, and we start climbing with gusto. And when we make it to the top, we have new confidence in just about everything else that’s going on in our lives.

There must be mountains to appreciate the valleys. Perhaps, God, in all His wisdom, is wanting us to scale those mountains and hike up those mountains for a “mountain-top experience” where we are refreshed, restored, nourished, and where we receive divine revelation. He is wanting to equip us to take on any mountain that may be standing in our way. Mountains are not some magic place where we will automatically experience God. It’s not about the place it’s about the heart. Let's create our own spiritual mountain today right where we are and have a mountain top experience!

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains; where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Homeward Bound

Homeward Bound. After a beautiful Sunday brunch with the bride and groom, and the rest of the out-of-towners, we gave all our hugs and best wishes and we were then headed out in the Motorcoach again for our return trip to Frisco.

I just had to post this sweet photo of Braden carrying Ruth across their home's threshold today. It sure made my day. Sweet newlyweds starting their lives together, ever after. They leave on their honeymoon tomorrow.

This has been such a great few days both in this motorcoach and all the excitement that surrounded the wedding.

Now, the homeward journey. Yes, it's a journey that we embrace, not simply a destination. On this Motorcoach, it's easy to say that. Tensions are minimal - - especially since we all have our spots. Payton and Alexia have their bunk areas, all private, curtained with built in TVs. I enjoy the dining area where I can study, play cards. We can take turns going to the back of the coach to the cozy bedroom to take naps or watch a movie. Bless Larry's heart, he drives all the way. Well we'll be stopping for a few hours to rest tonight.

We couldn't just drive back to Frisco directly without a stop for family and adventuring fun at Dunn's Falls with 65 foot waterfalls, a historical site grist mill and fun hiking locations. Another stop was Jackson, Mississippi for Staci's Sunday Night Live Facebook feed. The kids enjoyed walks around the Capitol Buildings. We'll get back to Frisco in the morning and we'll close the chapter on Braden and Ruth's wedding weekend and the adventures that went along with it.

We have a choice in life -- to live in the fast lane where we get to our destination in lickety-split time or we can embrace the journey along the way. I love, love, love embracing and really experiencing the journey.

I loved it when we got back from the falls, and to the motor coach and Alexia turned the coach into a facial and makeup salon for her mom. Oh the joys this family brings me. What a blessing to be in this sweet season of life. Smelling the roses along the way sure makes for sweet aromas of thanksgiving and gratitude that blesses this heart of mine.