"The mountains are calling and I must go." This quote is from John Muir, the original advocate for America's national parks. I found it on a t-shirt at Shenandoah National Park and had to have it. You see... I feel the same way!
Mountains are awe-inspiring and beckoning. Having been raised in the relatively level lands of north central Texas, I've always thrilled at the first site of distant peaks on the horizon as we drove toward a vacation destination. I'm compelled to explore the vast, mysterious alpine ranges, following winding roads higher and higher with clouds hovering nearby.
Their grandeur is heralded in song and scripture... "for purple mountain majesties" in America the Beautiful. You might have noticed one of my favorite hymns, How Great Thou Art, is posted on my intro page. I adopted the first phrase of the second verse for the title of my blog.
In the book of Isaiah, "The Lord's house will be established as the highest of the mountains and raised above the hills. All the nationals will stream to it." Psalm 87:1 - "The city the Lord has founded stands on holy mountains."
Mountains represent challenge. They call us to climb and conquer, both literally and symbolically. My Camp Gladiator trainer calls on us to face our mountains and not shrink before them... "You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved." I contend we don't move them ourselves, but with the faith and strength only the Lord can provide.
Their beauty brings a quiet joy to my heart... peace. And that's my wish for you, as you hear the mountains' call.
Psalm 72:3 - May the mountains bring peace to the people and the hills bring righteousness.