Lessons from Mt. Elbert
by Denise Morris on 07/09/2007 at 6:01 PM
This weekend I hiked the tallest mountain in Colorado. At an elevation of 14,440 feet, Mt. Elbert is not the most difficult climb of Colorado's 54 mountains over 14,000 feet, but as I was huffing and puffing my way up to the top, I wouldn't have called it a walk in the park, either.
As I hiked and surveyed the beauty around me, God -- in His kindness -- reminded me of a few things:
* I often hear about "mountain-top experiences" with the Lord -- you know, those times when all is going well, and we feel so in love with God, who He is and what He's done. What I realized as I was slowly putting one foot in front of the other is that in order to get to the top of the mountain, we have to make a tedious climb. We are not there automatically -- we can only get there through painful steps and determination. God often draws us close to Himself and gives us the beautiful view from the top of the mountain only after He has walked us up a difficult route.
* The climb up Mt. Elbert is breathtakingly gorgeous. There are mountains all around, a wonderful view of a lake, trees, flowers, small streams and more. To think that God created all of this -- to think that there are places with this amount of beauty that man will never even discover, makes me think that God rejoices in His creation more than we sometimes give Him credit for. There are flowers on that mountain that I will never see, but God does -- and I would guess that He delights in their beauty.
* There is a small stream that trickles along beside part of the climbing trail. As it carried melted snow down the mountain, I was reminded of God's refreshing words in Isaiah:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland (43:18-19).
God showed me other things as well along this trail. I was reminded of my weakness, of His strength, of pain, of joy and so many other things. Who knew that the hike I did because I thought it would be a good workout would show me so much about the great God I serve? What a blessing.
1. k. said the following at 7:11 PM on Jul 9:
I love being outside...I often wind up drinking in the scenery and thinking of, "Be still, and know that I am God."
At least, until the mosquitoes and ticks come after me!
2. Keisha said the following at 8:52 AM on Jul 10:
Thank you, Denise, for that beautifully-written and inspirational post. As I tackle my work today, I'll definitely be thinking of those beautiful views you described in Colorado, and of the glory of God!
3. Matt said the following at 10:36 AM on Jul 10:
What a great post! Unfortunately, it seems most boundless blog posts are only in response to what someone else wrote in another newspaper/blog, but this one comes from firsthand experience in the great outdoors! Colorado is such a beautiful state, and Mt. Elbert is a great 14er to hike (I've climbed around 12 14ers, and I can't wait to get on another one). And, what a way to experience God's creation, while blessing us in return! Thank you for your post, and continue hiking for God's glory :)
4. Rindy said the following at 11:01 AM on Jul 10:
Oh I wish I was in the mountains right now! What a great picture you described--awesome!
5. keith said the following at 11:01 PM on Oct 5:
Denise i don't think that you could have explained what a wonderful sight looking out in the distance from the peak of Mt.Elbert. I along with a group of teenagers experienced gods beauty firsthand two summers ago. We went on a christian trekk. It's quite amazing seeing gods beauty. Then being able to sign the scroll at the peak. An experience i will never forget and will do it again.