Bruises and Scratches

September 07, 2004

Category: Mission Trips , Spirituality

Bless God for spiritual highs. Going on a “mission” trip is usually stimulating. It has a way of making me feel like I’m more spiritually connected, or something. I don’t like to use cliches, but the term “mountain top experience” really does describe what I’m feeling right now. I feel closer to God. I can say no to temptation and sin more easily. I have a better attitude. I can just see things more clearly.

But from experience, I also know that this bit of clear weather doesn’t last forever. In fact, I can see the slow degradation I’m experiencing as I wade back into the valley of everyday—albeit real—life. As I inevitably walk down the mountain, my arms and legs get scratched and bruised from the branches and rocks sticking into the path. In fact, it’s not really a path at all.

In the end, I end up at the bottom where the clouds and my own exhaustion prevent me from seeing the mountain top.

I just wish I could raise the elevation of the valley.

p.s.: Please pray for my son. He’s still sick from our trip and not able to keep food down very well some days.

Posted by pablohart on September 07, 2004 05:46 PM

Comments

brother, don't forget that God is in the valley too. reminds me of the Bebo Norman song, Walk Down This Mountain:

It's a better place Standing high upon this mountain I've seen your face Full of the light that holiest height can show Blessed hand is why you you've given But you've been given all you'll ever need To know
Chourus:
So walk down this mountain
With your heart held high
Follow in the footsteps of your maker
With this love that's gone before you
And these people at your side
If you offer up your broken cup
You will taste the meaning of this life
Hey hey

Well it's a common ground
And I see you're all still standing
But just look around and you'll find
The very face of God
He's walking down into the distance
He's walking down to where the masses are

Chourus
This life

We're standing in a place of peace
And this is how the world should be
How the world should be
(Walk down this mountain with your heart held high)

Posted by Nathan Hart at September 8, 2004 12:24 AM

Add your comment