Missing Out

Back to the subject of beauty, I am a committed lover of the sort found in forests, particularly coastal mountain forests (think Drift Creek Camp).  I've been pining for a good solo "Narrows" hike, or something along those lines. But being denied such luxury, I've found myself . . . discontent.  I tell myself I have every right to wish for it, I never get good alone time with God, etc.  But I think that while my mind was up in the hills where I wasn't, I missed out on the beauty close to home (remember that transformational frost?).

Perhaps "good alone time with God" doesn't just go with the territory of a glorious location, for all its benefits.  To put myself there would not guarantee thrilling fellowship, and I know full well my true desire can be perfectly met in the barnyard, or a dilapidated car, for that matter.  I limit God by equating Him with my greatest experiences of Him.  Yes, I do believe in holy ground, and yes, God speaks through His creation in unique and magnificent ways, but it is only one of the ways that He speaks.  He is not confined to any place, thank God!  And He is greater than the very best that I know of Him.  To expect Him to meet even my loftiest standard is missing out!

Beautiful moments with my Creator will come again, but it is not for me to decide when and where.  If He takes me to a coastal mountain forest to be alone with Him, I'm all for that, but if not, I must look for Him to meet me in all His beauty . . . right where I am.

O God, You are more awesome

than Your holy places . . .

Blessed be God!

Psalm 68:35