Memorial Weekend finally arrived. We planned to get away to the mountains in Taos, New Mexico. After leaving the interstate in Tucumcari, we traveled the peaceful backroads across the desert of the southwest. One-hundred miles and barely another car in sight as we drove past cacti, buttes, and mesas. The vast emptiness of the area spoke a calmness to my soul, and I felt myself settling into a holiday mood.
Soon, we began the climb towards Taos. The landscape changed from small, desert shrubbery to tall pines. Snow covered peaks appeared on the horizon as we climbed higher and higher. Antelopes played in the valley as hawks stood guard atop of the fence posts. The scenery spoke to my heart and soul. I felt renewed in the fresh air of the higher altitudes. I feel closer to God when I am in the mountains.
I wish I could spend all my days gazing out over the hills and valleys in this part of the country. I want to be on vacation every day with no worries and no problems so that I can just sit and enjoy looking out my window and feeling the presence of God. I want to sip a steaming cup of good, ole Irish tea while I listen to Christian songs on the radio. Peace and quiet are what I crave.
Unfortunately, life is not just times of tranquility. Since the days of Adam and Eve, sin entered the world and chaos reigned. Jesus even warned His disciples in John 16:33 by saying “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Life can change suddenly, as recent terror attacks on innocent people in Cairo and Manchester demonstrated to us. One moment, those affected were having fun, and the next moment their world turned upside down.
We do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds my tomorrows. The Bible offers us so many verses to encourage us: Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Another one is Matthew 6:27 “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” And my life verse echoes the same in Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” These are just a few verses that help me to keep moving forward in the hard times.
I don’t know what my tomorrows hold. But, as I feel a cool breeze blowing in through my open window and I see the majestic mountains rise all around me, I can enjoy this incredible moment God has given me. I pray He gives me many more such moments to relax in His presence.
Blessing,
Yvonne with Orphan Relief Effort
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
