The View From Here

One of many lookout points along the Interstate, West Virginia

As much as I hate to admit it, I really need this.

To get my head up and out of, my cherished routines, as needful as they are.  To pull away, far away, for a little bit from all the thinking and doing.  To drive through the mountains and sometimes just stop and get out of the car and just make our eyes happy with how far they can see.  And not check that off a list.

New River Gorge, W. Virginia

This 'data-gathering' little drive down to North Carolina for the weekend does more than satisfy our curiosity about a particular project we have in mind.  It is a chance to be together and plan together and laugh together, and stop and be amazed together at the capacity of creation to show off.  And just to capture, and be captured by, the view from here.

They're beautiful, the mountains.  In brilliant sunlight or clutching wisps of clouds, early in the morning or as the sun is setting, all of it.   Especially this time of year. 

And I can't help but compare.  And sigh a little for mountains that capture me in similar ways, half way around the world.

Sunset en route to Suradet's Village, Fall 2015

 There too I find my eyes are hungry for this perspective.  Creation shows off a Mighty handiwork.  I am reminded of my need, and marvel again at the wonders of dignity and being raised up to stand on mountains beyond myself. 

November's flowers, close to Suradet's Village, Fall 2015

Who am I?  I ask it again but not in angst but wonder.  So small against this backdrop, yet lavished with this and other unspeakable graces.

 "Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

Your justice like the great deep."

Psalm 36:5-6

Morning Mist, Suradet's Village, Fall 2015