October 17

Because of a cold front coming in, we had a mostly overcast day while “leaf looking” in the mountains. We could see the colors, but because of the lack of light, they were somewhat muted. As the day wore on, the clouds broke, and the sun came from behind the clouds and lit up the trees so we could see the spectacular reds and yellows. Though we had some good color in the foothills, we decided to travel to a small town called Highlands; I like Highlands because it is meticulously manicured, and I like things clean and neat. My friends have a home there, so we decided to drive up and look at it. They didn’t tell me that the road was steep and had a few hairpin turns before getting to it. I had to get out of the car once we got there to settle down a bit before the drive into town. They have a breathtaking view of the mountains! When we got into the higher elevations, the colors took on a dramatic change and were vivid; the cooler temperatures must have brought on the color a little earlier than the lower elevations. Though the road was winding and steep, we saw the most striking beauty on that short detour before heading home. My analogy of this day is the closer you get to God, the more beautiful the scenery, but I’m not referring to your physical elevation; I’m comparing it to our growing love for the Lord, the closer you get to him, the more beautiful he becomes, and the life we live upon this earth has a real purpose. 

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalms 27:4-5