There is something sublime about a mountain. I’ve read it’s a place where El Elyon (the Most High God) met with His divine council of “elohim” (lesser gods or angels according to the Bible). Ancient literature depicts it as the place where heaven meets humanity. Think about the building of the Tower of Babel or Moses up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Mountains can appear formidable, evoking feelings of awe-inspiring wonder, as they show off the splendor of God’s creation. The view from the top is often breathtaking.
On the last Saturday of our Winter trip to South Carolina, my husband, Jorge, wanted to get out and enjoy a more up-close and personal experience with nature. Now, you may recall from my previous blog that I discovered I’m not really a nature girl. But, that morning our devotions on “You Version” began with being peacemakers. Since I had already been critical at breakfast over something trivial, I felt convicted. So, at that point, it was important for me to concede to Jorge’s desire for a trip to the mountain for a nature walk. I knew I had to just grin and bear it. I needed to be a peacemaker.
I planted a smile on my face, recalling (My Mother’s Most Important Beauty Advice), and we set off for a nearby mountain close to Greenville. As Jorge marveled in awe at the beauty of Paris Mountain, I thought to myself that Paris, France would have been more appealing (maintaining my smile). I reasoned, when in Greenville do as the “Greenvillians” do: walk, hike, visit rivers and mountains and enjoy the landscape. We drove up part of the mountain to the entrance of the park. I noticed everyone had brought their dog. Considering my recent flea dilemma (Pest Peeves), I thought best to leave my little sweetie back at the house. Glad I did!
The air was brisk, the sun was shining, warming our faces, and I was bundled up, ready for the adventure. We walked down the rocky path laden with big tree roots and downed trees from Hurricane Helene. Barren trees surrounded us. It was very muddy, the lake included, like a brown paradise (sarcasm intended). As I kept my head down to watch my step, I could hear Jorge joyfully singing God’s praises. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that is what he beheld.
Maybe I should have looked up at the sights above the ground, and trusted God for my secure footing, instead of trying so hard to steady myself. I was once again finding it difficult to take my thoughts captive to Christ, as all I could say in my mind was “Oy Vey”, a Yiddish term for dismay or “woe is me”. That’s when I realized, I had fallen back into being a creature of a cultural habit. That old generational curse of yiddish discontent (from my grandmother), had resurfaced. Then I had an Ah-ha moment! I remembered how the enemy comes to ruin all that is good (John 10:10), how he will do whatever it takes to cause division. He tried to trap me, but once I reflected on my thoughts, I saw through his lies.
You see this is what it means to take your thoughts captive to Christ. I suppose I was doing it all along and this is how it played out. I discerned that It is one thing to smile and another to be genuine about it. At once, I saw the humor in my predicament, and had an instant attitude adjustment. I knew gratitude and praise was in order to El Elyon. I thanked God for this revelation and his forgiveness. I began to laugh at myself as my smile became genuine. I found something positive about this trip; I can write a blog about it. To God be the glory!
I shared my thoughts with Jorge and he was delighted to be responsible for providing material for our blog. You see, it is his blog too. He is my very talented graphic designer and most patient sounding board.
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
By the time we reached the path to the bridge to the waterfall, we saw another couple our age. Jorge asked if there was another way to get to the bridge. The gentleman with all of his Southern hospitality in his German accent, showed us an easier way. That treacherous path was only for the young and fit.
The waterfall was indeed magnificent, rivers of living water flowing over the edge of the mountain into the steam that fed the lake. It was a refreshing sight and it could be felt. I thought about the rivers of living water that Jesus promised through Holy Spirit.
“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37-38)
Jesus was referring to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon those who come to faith in Him. The living water symbolizes cleansing from sin, renewal and abundant life in Christ given to all who believe. Yielding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit allowed living water to well up within me and re-align my thoughts. It refreshed me and I felt invigorated as I breathed in the clean mountain air and admired the beauty of God’s creation. I had so much to be thankful for.
On the way back up the mountain, the steps were steep and my knees were throbbing. Suddenly, I felt my arm being lifted, easing my steps. My thoughts went right to Jesus who said:
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
I sensed the peace of Jesus lift me up as my steps became easier and I felt less weary. The arm was not that of Jesus, but rather my humble-hearted husband Jorge, helping me up the steps. Jesus knew just what I needed and there was Jorge, acting as the hands and feet of Jesus. Like I said before, I have so much to be grateful for. All glory and praise to God!
We made it back to the car and Jorge was so proud of us, having hiked down and back up that mountain. It made his day and mine too. I was glad I went. Spoiler alert: The down and up part of the mountain was the steps from the parking lot down to the lake. The hike around the lake was less than a mile. LOL. It was one of the easiest trails on Paris Mountain.
There’s real peace to be found when you act like a peacemaker. I hope you enjoyed this story and discovered more reasons for why the word. Until next time, God bless you all!
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