The Mountain with You

Sometimes you meet us in the valley, in the heat of the battle when we need you most, but today...

Today, you are calling me up the mountain to be with you. I can see you at the halfway point of the mountain stretching out your hands; inviting me to come with you. You are smiling, and I can see the holes in the hands that you are extending to me; reminding me of the cross; reminding me of my atonement, reminding me of the price you paid. Your eyes are fierce and wild, yet tender and compassionate. I'm undone, as I feel you looking into the deepest parts of my soul and I'm ashamed of what you will find there.

But you reassure me without speaking a word. You've known all along what's inside me haven't you? And yet you still invite me into your presence, you are inviting me up the mountain where the air is clear and fresh; where I can rest. Who am I that you should take an interest in me?

You want to stand in the wind with me and look out upon the beauty that you've created. You want to sit and talk with me about what's on your heart, you want me to share my heart with you...even the ugly parts. You want to begin to shine your light into the corners of my soul, drawing me ever closer to you. Oh to be like you more and more, forevermore!

I take my first step toward you on the mountain, its difficult as I hear the to do list screaming my name, demanding that the work get done. My head begins to turn to my tasks and off your face, but your eyes...your eyes! They command my attention and I take another step...my legs start to yearn for a full out run and I pick up my pace, each step toward you easier than the one before. Finally I'm at a full sprint and I hit the foot of the mountain and charge my way upward.

I want to take my eyes off of you for fear of tripping on the loose rocks or a misplaced step, but I dare not. I stumble many times and my pace slows almost to the point of stopping, but I'm too close to you to give up now. One last step and I've grabbed your hand. Your smile broadens into full faced grin and you laugh, you laughed so hard! I take delight in your joy and though I'm exhausted you don't even wait for me to catch my breath...you start running up the remainder of the mountain.

Somehow, I find an extra gear I didn't know I had, a reserve of energy I didn't think possible and we are running hand in hand at what I would say a dangerous speed. I'm not scared though, I'm not afraid of falling, I'm not afraid because...I'm with you.

We break through the clouds and reach the top! It's quiet save for the strength of the wind. I look to you and see you standing with your arms spread wide and eyes closed, so I lift my arms and close my eyes. I feel much like a child imitating his father, but I don't feel foolish or ashamed.  For a minute I feel out of balance like the wind might throw me to the ground, but I regain my senses and enjoy the whispers of the wind as it hits my exposed skin.  How full of stories and mighty power it is!

At last my legs cannot hold me any longer and I sit, you remain standing with your face to the wind a few moments longer and I can see the look of contentment on your face. I long for that same peace in my soul. Sensing this, You sit, and we rest in silence. I don't even need to hear you talk, and I don't feel pressure to say anything, I simply want to be with you. It's probably only minutes, but it feels like hours as I feel my soul is filled with a peace that comes from knowing who you are and who you belong to. Your presence consumes me, and I am content.

I feel safe to share my heart with you, even the worst parts...the parts I wouldn't share with anyone. You don't speak a word of judgement or condemnation you simply say, "I love you, my grace is sufficient for you." Over and over you say that with each new encounter of wickedness in my heart, "my grace is sufficient for you", and I trust you to replace my brokenness with your life.

I can take no more, as it feels like my heart is so full it could tear from my chest; no longer to be bound by the constraints of my body or of gravity. You say with great compassion, "This is life, freedom and liberty, go share it now." I take one last deep breathe, drawing in the power of the wind as I realize it's time for me to go and I stand...my legs are rested, my mind is clear, my heart is full, I feel whole again. I look one last time into your face and you say, "I've always loved you and I always will." With that I smile a smile that turns into a great big belly laugh and I start my journey down the mountain. Over my shoulder I speak simply, "I love you...thank you".

The journey down is slower and my mind pictures the last image I have of you, your smile... until at last, I'm at the foot of the mountain. I look back up and shout, "until we meet again"!

Songs listened to while blogging:
1. Hosanna - Hillsong United
2. Lay me down - Chris Tomlin
3. Dance with me - Jesus Culture