Sneak Peak at Eternity

Grass contours to the heavy movements of the wind. The wind is so strong, the grass hardly sways, but remains bent over as if God were playing with pipe-cleaner. For miles, no trees are to be seen, just miles and miles of green grass. Only a half-hour ago, we were looking up the hill, unable to see the top for the fog. Now we’re in the cloud and cannot see below us. For all we know, there could be a cliff just beyond the rock in the distance. A few minutes ago, we were on the side of the hill, and just between two peaks, a city could be seen, glistening in the sun. But it was soon gone, hiding behind a curtain of cloud as if waiting for the next few walkers to pass by. If another party were to pass by, I imagine the cloud curtain slowly opening, revealing the glittering city within: apple-green grass and tiny white houses in front of the smooth blue of the sea. Soon, it would be gone and the party, like ours, would be obliged to continue climbing. In The Mournes, there will always be another curtain of cloud to open, revealing another glorious stage.

The entire party is cold and wet at this point, having hiked up the side of the “hill” in freezing rain and blistering cold wind. Despite the misery, we don’t care anymore. We’re atop the peak, and although we can’t see how far we’ve come on account of the fog, we all feel accomplished and have a deeper understanding of God’s power. Only God could create such beauty: a place where exhaustion, passion, pain and enchantment all collide. My hair is dripping wet and my water proof socks are not as water proof as I would have wished, but despite all evidence to the contrary, I have never been happier. In The Mournes, the petty problems of man pale in comparison to the overwhelming evidence supporting the majesty of our God.

The same hands that carefully painted the landscape behind the cloud curtain, molded The Mournes and each individual hill. He placed the grey haven of cloud exactly where he wanted it. Now, He holds the ropes and stands ready to pull the curtain when a traveler treks by; He pulls the rope just when a walker needs to refreshed. What a great way to end the first week and begin the second, with a reminder that sometimes, when we’re weary to the point of frustration, God sends us up one last mountain. It’s not at the foot of the mountain that He refreshes us, but at the top, when the fatigue is greatest.

If I were only allowed to take home one memory it would be this; the clouds retaliating to reveal the secret held behind the curtain of cloud. To speak in symbolic terms, we’re heading into another tiresome week. The rain will beat down on our heads and we’re only halfway there. It may seem like we’ll never make it, like we’re too cold and wet to take another step, not to mention reach the end. But God will soon remove the cloudy veil between humanity and His Kingdom, allowing us a sneak peek at eternity.

Thank you Rebeca for writing this out for me!! Flickr.com/earlreagan more pictures are being posted so make sure to check them out soon!!!!