Mountains do not need man, but man does need mountains.
More than 160 years ago, the mountains of Utah offered sanctuary to Mormon pioneers, driven from their homes in Illinois, Ohio, and Missouri. Today, mountains continue to offer sanctuary, to those seeking quiet and peace, relaxation and recreation.
I am fortunate enough to live in the shadow of the Colorado Rockies. I am strengthened by their permanency, their constancy, their magesty. However, I do not go to them for sanctuary.
I find sanctuary in my home and my church, my family and my friends. My home, with its old quilts and pictures of grandchildren, will never grace the pages of home and garden magazines, but it is a sanctuary from the pressures of the world. Our church is not only a building but a way of life, answering such questions as why am I here. My friends and family buoy me up when I am down and allow me to do the same for them.
Finally, I find sanctuary in my own heart when it is at peace with myself.
So, for today, I am grateful for mountains which offer sanctuary ... and people who do the same.
It would be strange to not live so close to the mountains. When we went to Rocky Mountain National Park a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't help but marvel at the landscape that was formed so long ago and the majestic beauty of traveling through the canyon and then reaching our destination.
ReplyDelete