Especially in a place like the mountains I'm remembering  how splendid and broad God's paint strokes are, but He's reminding me too how intricate his work is. Thankful for the big picture and for the good and detailed plan He has for our lives. 

Jason and I are on day five of sabbatical in the Rio Grande National Forest. We hiked up a mountain, which was no easy task for me. We read scripture together and prayed, but I couldn't get Jason to sing with me. 

When we were at the highest point I asked Jason what he noticed. The landscape of surrounding mountains caught his eye. I'd become obsessed with moss and other things scattered on the mountain floor. I looked at an old fallen tree and had to touch the  layers in its bark. 

In all that I was taking in,  I thought about my house. If you ever come and see me I'll invite you in. 

The downstairs is built so that you can walk in a circle. When you come into the entryway you can walk right into the living room. That room leads you to the kitchen. From the kitchen there are little white folding doors which kid visitors love to open and close. Those lead you into the dining room (that's hardly used). Walk through the dining room and you'll see the bathroom and the entry/exit way. 

If I know you're coming I'll spiffy up the downstairs. I'll probably vacuum the rug, fluff up the decorative pillows and move the clutter to one of its places, probably to the wooden tray by the microwave. I won't invite you upstairs. That's the place that lacks a decorative touch. Not just that,  but the beds are hardly ever made and there are probably clothes strung over a chair. Whatever you do, don't go in the girls' bathroom. The whole second floor lacks proper care. 

Not so with the mountain. 

The lack of oxygen and and steep places make it uninviting. There are places up there where human feet rarely tread. I know people have hiked there, but the space is vast. Never you mind.  Every inch is filled with wonder and beauty. There's not a spot or living thing that's without his decorative touch. 

I found seed cases and decomposition reminding me of his intelligent plan of sustaining life. I marveled at moss that looked like paint splotches in the deepest hues. I looked across at the mountains and was humbled; humbled at One who is all-powerful but would take such care to create and tend to the minute...That He would share ALL of it with us; the birdsong, the breeze and the sun that warms us. 

He's a glorious God.  That makes me want to climb mountains.

Don't forget to subscribe if you don't want to miss a post.