I am a mountain girl! I grew up in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. Yes, I loved walking around barefoot...even on gravel surfaces...and still do. :) Yes, I still love playing in the dirt with my trees, plants and flowers. And yes, I am still a girly girl who loves dresses, Merle Norman cosmetics, hair spray and classical music.
Growing up in the mountains was wonderful. Everywhere I went, everything I did, every breath I took involved seeing those amazing mountains and breathing wonderful mountain air. Somehow those mountains continually reminded me of God's presence...with His loving arms around us at all times.
Moving to eastern Kentucky for college was great, too. I loved the foothills of the Bluegrass state. I loved the friendly people, Kentucky basketball, Smokey burgers and learning new things and meeting new people from all around the country. Becoming a Kentucky permanent resident during ministries and jobs was exciting, too. Living near the Lexington area has been a great experience with the gorgeous horse farms, (I love horses!!!), city shopping, country living, Kentucky cooking and loving folks who are new family to us! As I sit on our back deck, the view from our hill, into a valley and over to another hill is wonderful....cattle, tractors, farmers, crops, trees and occasional wildlife!
But I miss those mountains! I always loved them but I didn't realize how much I appreciated them until I no longer lived there. I missed those majestic reminders of "God's arms" protecting and directing my daily path. However, I have learned to realize that God is always there...even when I don't see the "reminders" from the mountains. No matter what is going on around us....or within us...God is there. We may not understand why horrible tragedies occur repeatedly...or why disease and pain seem to thrive in our lives...or why tremendous loss continues on multiple levels. But one thing I know...God is with us...always. Even in darkness, even in pain, even in confusion and uncertainty....He is with us. We may not see Him or understand the hows, whys and whens...but He is carrying us on this journey.
As I began thinking about what to write this morning after yet another senseless tragedy yesterday, a very specific Scripture passage came to mind immediately. Psalm 121: 1 > 8 reads: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Thank You, God, for carrying us, holding us and loving us every moment of this journey. Even in the hard times, You are God...our eternal Hope, Healer, Prince of Peace, Great Physician, Counselor and Mighty God. Forever, Majesty....You reign! ♥~thl
No comments:
Post a Comment