Sitting quietly with this word this morning, it didn’t make sense to me, but I knew there must be a purpose. The regular words that inspire me and feel drawn to always focus on the positive. But I then I visualize mountain tops and a simple smile of acknowledgement came across my lips. “Yes, I understand God.” My dad was born in the state of Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshire mountains. He loved the mountains, and my mom loved the beach. In their retirement, she ultimately won out when they moved close to the beaches of Delaware. She loved to search for shells along the beach, and I know my dad longed to get back to his vision of peace and calm, the crisp, clear mountain air. While I was growing up, I looked forward to our family day trips to the closest my dad could get to experiencing his memorable mountains he loved as a child, the mountains of Western Maryland, specifically Sugarloaf Mountain. I have such fond memories of climbing the trails with my parents, my dad leading the way. Every time we climbed the nature-made trail up the 1,519 foot incline, we would count each of those rustic steps of wood and stone along the way. When we reached the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, it always amazed me how far I could see and was always rewarded with that majestic view across Western Maryland. I could see for miles and miles! I think it gave my father a feeling of connection to his birthplace and brought back some wonderful childhood memories. When my husband and I travelled to take my father’s ashes back to the mountains he loved in Massachusetts, it brought me much peace. I envisioned him walking the paths that I knew he walked, witnessing his mountains, and visiting the childhood play sites he had talked about. I even walked atop the man-made stone wall he walked as a young boy, feeling his footsteps. One of his favorite scriptures was from Psalm 121, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Many times, throughout our life, we get caught up in the daily stresses of life and tend to be fearful of the climb or refuse to look up for the help that is always there – the help from our Almighty! I am definitely a beach girl at heart but lovingly embrace the beauty of my father’s first love – the mountains. Wherever you are on your climb, don’t be afraid. Navigate every step up your own mountain, with our Lord leading the way, just like my dad. And remember to witness His majesty all along the way! (*I post this because my dad’s birthday is January 30th. I miss him. “Xs & Os dad.”
“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.” Psalms 121:1-2
From God's Lips 