Heading to the mountains

"After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray." (Mark 6:46 NIV)

There’s something about climbing up into the mountains that brings a smile to my face. I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in the hills of Southwest Virginia and the mountains remind me of home. Or if it’s because the mountains point me towards another home… a home not made with human hands… a home in heaven with our Lord.

Whatever the reason, I’m heading to the mountains for a couple of days. I am learning that living too long in the flatlands can really drain my soul. I have to pull away to reflect, recharge, and recommit. When I spend too long working (I can be a real workaholic) the joy starts to seep away and I start to feel as if everything is up to me.

When I go to the mountains I’m reminded that it’s not up to me even a little bit. It’s up to God. I can’t do anything without Him. Every dream that He has given me can only be accomplished by HIm. He is the Dreamer and the One who enables the dream to come to pass.

I climb up into his mountains and enjoy their grand scenic vistas. I gain perspective and vision. But He made those mountains. He painted that sky. He is the One whom I worship there.

Jesus loved the mountains too. Whenever ministry got too busy and the crowds pressed in with their needs. Jesus often withdrew into the mountains alone to pray. He knew when to work and when to rest. He practiced a rhythm of living that we can learn from.

So, I’m heading to the mountains. But I’ll be back.