A Greek philosopher once said that “you cannot step into the same river twice.” That seems to be an apt thought at the end of the calendar year. We will not experience anything exactly the same as we did this past year.
I picked this photo of the sunset for my last reflection of the year. Just as evening is a good time to reflect of the day, this is a good time to reflect on the past year. Where have you encountered God during the year?
(Photo: Little Missouri River, Theodore Roosevelt NP)
Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, earth, break forth into song, you mountains, For the Lord comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted. Isaiah 49:13
(Photo: Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain NP)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. Isaiah 9:1
(Photo: Sunrise at Galena Breeze, Jamaica)
This photo was taken at Lily Lake, near Estes Park, CO. I’m drawn to this elk, who seems to be outstanding in his field. Someone who is outstanding in their field is often used to refer to someone who has a particular area of excellence. However, it could be someone who is clueless to what is going on around them. Ironically, it can mean both at the same time.
I’ve come to learn how strengths can be weaknesses and visa versa. The Apostle Paul writes again and again in his letters that he will only boast of his weaknesses – because that is where God shines through.
Great is the Lord and highly praised in the city of our God: God’s holy mountain, fairest of heights, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, the heights of Zaphon, the city of the great king. Psalms 48:2-3
(Photo: Hidden Lake, Glacier NP)
Reflecting on reflecting…
I recently heard an interview with Matt Maher the singer and he talked about serving God when he writes music and sings. He was paraphrasing a quote from Eric Liddell in the movie Chariots of Fire: “When I run, I feel His (God’s) pleasure.”
This seems like yet another way to see God in all things: in our actions and the actions of others.
(Photo: Reflection Lake, Mt Rainier)
This is the view from the Grinell Glacier Overlook Trail (Glacier NP). My wife and I hiked here in 2017. That day my wife accused me of trying to kill (not that she really meant it). But it was a long, hard and hot day of hiking. This spur, in particular, was a 1000 foot gain in less than a mile off the main trail. But what a spectacular view!
It is said “What does not kill you, makes you stronger” (first attributed to Friedrich Nietzsche). In Proverbs, we are told that God purifies our hearts like gold is purified by fire. While I don’t believe that suffering is intrinsically good, I do believe God can work through the challenges we face.
This is Delicate Arch (Arches NP) from the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint, about a km away. The arch looks much more humble from this distance. Without any reference point, it’s not obvious that it is about 5 stories tall.
At a far distance, it is easier to the “big picture”. And the big picture is important, but can hide a lot of important details. I can assure you, it looks far different standing up there looking down through the arch toward this point.
Signs Along the Way 