At 11,000 feet altitude, things are different. In southwest Colorado, you’re right at tree-line, that point where climatic and other conditions necessary to healthy tree life, diminish to the point that trees simply don’t exist. Altitude has its positive effects too. Some people’s vision sharpens noticeably. Perhaps it’s the lack of pressure on the lens and other mechanical components of the eyeball, or just the clear mountain air… I can’t say for certain.
Regardless, good vision is a blessing in the mountains, especially in the back-country. There are magnificent vistas everywhere you turn. That said, it is not just the vistas. Sometimes, unexpected sights present themselves up-close and personal.
Hiking along, you cross a rise and happen upon a beautiful mountain lake. Weary from the morning’s effort, you make your way to the water’s edge. Climbing out onto a rock overlooking a deep-pool in the lake, you settle in for a rest… to observe and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Peering idly into the icy clear waters, you notice the movement of a school of trout out on maneuvers. While you passively enjoy their activities, nature’s unexpected elements begin to play their part in the experience. At first, the winds pick up -- rippling the water, blurring your vision. Next clouds roll in, casting the waters into an opaque state – again interrupting your view. Then, just as unexpectedly ~ the sky clears, the breeze calms ~ clear vision returns.
James 1, verses 22 and following read …
· “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
· Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
How often do we allow the unexpected winds and clouds of trouble and doubt to obscure the vision of who we are as Christians. Do you ever allow outside forces to blur your vision, impede good works?
Keep searching, studying, and perfecting your mission as a Christian.
· “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
Regardless, good vision is a blessing in the mountains, especially in the back-country. There are magnificent vistas everywhere you turn. That said, it is not just the vistas. Sometimes, unexpected sights present themselves up-close and personal.
Hiking along, you cross a rise and happen upon a beautiful mountain lake. Weary from the morning’s effort, you make your way to the water’s edge. Climbing out onto a rock overlooking a deep-pool in the lake, you settle in for a rest… to observe and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Peering idly into the icy clear waters, you notice the movement of a school of trout out on maneuvers. While you passively enjoy their activities, nature’s unexpected elements begin to play their part in the experience. At first, the winds pick up -- rippling the water, blurring your vision. Next clouds roll in, casting the waters into an opaque state – again interrupting your view. Then, just as unexpectedly ~ the sky clears, the breeze calms ~ clear vision returns.
James 1, verses 22 and following read …
· “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
· Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
How often do we allow the unexpected winds and clouds of trouble and doubt to obscure the vision of who we are as Christians. Do you ever allow outside forces to blur your vision, impede good works?
Keep searching, studying, and perfecting your mission as a Christian.
· “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
No comments:
Post a Comment