The beauty of our Creator is indescribable. You may try your hardest, but words often fail or do not seem enough to describe the absolute grandeur that this world holds.
This past Wednesday I had the opportunity to hike Yonah Mountain. I have wanted to hike a mountain for so long, so I was super excited to be able to do so and see the beauty of our God. As soon as the hike began, I was immediately in awe. I have never been in a forest like this before. The lush green leaves, the bold red clay, the amazing way the rocks and boulders were laid, and the musical sounds of the wildlife, melded together to create a beautiful picture of God.
The hike was only about two and a quarter miles, but it was far from easy. There were times where you were maneuvering around rocks, climbing over boulders, or walking up a steep hill. I was even stung by a bee near the top. It was hard. There were people who were nervous about it, and there were people who were stoked. I was one of the stoked people. I had so much energy, was so excited. I just wanted to run to the top. However, I had already promised my dear friend a couple days before that I would not leave her side because she was afraid she would be alone at the back. And you know what? I had so much fun taking it slow! I honestly wished I could go slower! I had wanted to get to the top as fast as I could, but instead I had to take it slow and honor a promise I made to a friend, and I am so happy that I did. By taking the time to hike slower, I was able to take in the beauty of God’s creation. I was able to appreciate the intricately made spider webs and the wonderfully grown mushrooms. I was able to see the smallest portion of God’s power.
I believe God was reminding me that I need to slow down in order to see His glory. If I were to have run to the top of the mountain, not only would I have burnt out so quickly, but I would have missed so much. However, I don’t think He was only referring to mountain hiking, but everything. It is so easy to always look ahead to what’s to come or to wish for the future, especially here. So many of us cannot wait to get out and minister to the nations, but we need to be fully present now. If we are always looking to the next nine months, wanting to be in Cambodia or Guatemala, then we are going to miss what God is doing right here at training camp. And He has already done so much. Bones have been healed, depression has been cured, hearts have changed, and love has grown. God has been doing so much, and if we are always trying to race to the mountain top, we are going to miss it. I am so thankful that God has taught me this lesson now, not nine months down the line.
When we finally reached the top, we realized that the hike was completely worth it. You first enter a nice little meadow surrounded by trees, but if you go a little farther (and risk hiking over somewhat treacherous ground), you reach the cliffside. AND IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. I’ve been in the mountains before, but this view was something that I had never seen. It was just in time for sunset, and God could not have given us a more perfect sunset. I was so in awe of the beauty and glory of God that I could not help but find a spot on the cliffside to worship Him. And what beautiful worship it was. I had no music, but I was just standing there in His presence and singing the songs I knew. It was not extravagant or flashy. It was just a sweet moment between the Lord and I, and I cannot wait to have more of these experiences.
Being on the top of Yonah, I was reminded once again of God’s vastness, and it is crazy to think that the God who created the heavens and the earth, who created the mountains and the valleys, also created me. He chose me to go out and share His love to the people of Cambodia, Thailand, South Africa, and Guatemala. What a privilege we have to serve the God of the universe. I pray that you all will be able to experience the utter awe that I did. I pray that you will be able to have your own experience where the only thing you can do is worship our Lord.
All my love,
Ali Goolsby
“Yours, O Lord , is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord , and you are exalted as head above all. “ 1 Chronicles 29:11
