mountain top reality

Lately when I close my eyes I find myself standing on a mountain top covered in pure white snow with the sun shining beautifully around me. Every direction I turn I see an exquisite masterpiece created by a most magnificent maker. I squeeze my eyes closed even tighter as I prepare to speak, hoping that this time, I will find my voice. This is not the first time I have found myself standing here, gazing at the beauty of the Lord’s tremendous creation, nor is it the first time I have felt an earth shattering desire to shout from the tips of my toes. Yet, this moment, just like each before, I open my mouth and nothing comes out.

Disenchanted, I slowly open my eyes and travel rapidly back to reality. The world around me, although created by the same magnificent maker, is less incredible with the light of real life shining through it. I have always preferred an imaginary world to my reality. Having been a daydreamer since a young age, I became a master of creating make believe life more enticing. This attraction to fantasy is the also the root of many great romances, friendships, and experiences which existed only in my head. Heart broken and disappointed, I never believed this whimsical life could be mine.

Today however, as I venture back to the mountain top, with my eyes closed and my heart aching, I decide to listen instead of speak. On this day, in this magnificent place, I hear something quite incredible. The familiar voice coming from the Heavens is proclaiming a great message. My heart begins to race as the words echo from the valleys below me. Again I squeeze my eyes tight, only not to prepare myself to speak, but to allow my heart to listen; to grow more like a great sponge, soaking each word poured upon me.

Gone from my mind are the fictitious characters of love, out of my reach are the trifles of a grand life in extraordinary places. Like a pitcher being filled with fresh water, I am gradually filled with a fresh spring of pleasure. The pleasure that comes from surrender. The pleasure that only the great Lord above can provide. The pleasure that seems so fulfilling, even I cannot imagine searching any further. The message today is simple, one I feel completely at home with. I have heard it before and yet today it appears more real than ever. The proclamation, so commanding and so forgiving, carries with it an urging into action. Just as gently as the words are spoken, my heart stations itself into position. Different than before, I now open my eyes and see my world through His glorious perspective.

My world, my tangible world, has actual potential. Factual people and real determination. This world, this life, is now the penchant. This life, this real life enlivens my soul, invigorates my heart, excites my mind. Prudently I sprint down from the mountain, for it is with great intention that I embrace this world, at last, choosing truth over make-believe.

The further from the mountain I go, the softer the voice becomes, but the message always the same. “For I so the loved the world that I sent my only son that you might not perish but have eternal life.”