Morning Moments

Mark 3:13a "And he goeth up into a mountain..."

Ever since I can remember, I have been drawn to the mountains. The Lord has given me much time there in ministry and missions work. Nicaragua, India, and several places here in the United States have brought me solace and solitude. Maybe it is because life seems slower and calmer there. I'm not sure but Jesus must have been drawn to the mountains too. He often went to the mountains to pray before making major decisions.

Summer or Winter, Spring or Fall, I enjoy soaking my feet in the cold stream water. The setting seems to assist in bringing things into perspective, slowing the pace and seeking the peace. I suppose I realize that man cannot duplicate the mountains. He can make cities, but not mountains. The more time I spend there, the less I desire city living. Cities so often seem to breed crime, whereas mountains seem to bring contentment.

I remember driving through the mountains of Tennessee years ago when I spoted an old man sitting in a rocker on his front porch. The house was off the road but close enough that I could see him wave. I pulled in the dirt road to the house and he invited me in. His wife came out and we sat and talked for a few minutes. She asked if I would like an apple tart. She only had to ask once. They were delicious.

What ever happened to those days when neighbors didn't have to worry about the danger of a stranger? What happened to the days of safety and security when we could leave our cars and houses unlocked and not worry about theft or destruction? What ever happened to the days when neighbors cared about neighbors and persons and property were respected?

Maybe we should all seek a mountain to run to without Dollywood, Hollywood, or any other wood except for the trees that have never been cut and the streams that have not been polluted. Maybe if we could "go into a mountain" to pray, we might just discover that life does not consist of the abundance of things, and that we can be content with food and raiment. Maybe if we could teach our children to say no to TV and video games that manipulate the mind and could take them to places where they don't have to be entertained, they could grow up differently.

Oh well, maybe I'm dreaming, but that is what mountain air helps me to do anyway. Shhh, I think I hear a mountain calling me. Quiet! Maybe you will hear it too.

BLESSINGS!