"For purple mountains
majesty" - the words floated across my mind as I stood in awe viewing
the towering mountain. Soft breezes captured the sweet fragrance of
wild flowers and pine trees. White billows of clouds slowly moved
across the golden sunlit skies, causing each cloud to appear to be
golden lined. As I came near the foot of the mountain, I discovered the
wood etched sign -"Hikers Trail" with arrows pointing to a small
cleared path leading into a wooded area.
The instant I saw the path, a
driving desire swept over me. I knew I had to take the trail. I was not
equipped with proper hiking attire, but the urgency of climbing higher
enticed me to go.
At first the trail was climbed
with ease even though it was made with steps of stones that steeply
ascended. The rocks were solid and smooth on top. It was such a joyful
emotional experience. The first few hundred feet were hardly
challenging. Beautiful sounds and sights intoxicated my being as I
quickened the stride.
The trail leveled, the path
widened and became solid ground for awhile. Then, suddenly, the path
became stony and uneven and I had to watch each step carefully so as
not to stumble. My shoes were not shod with preparation. I had not
really planned the hike.
The path started to climb again
and as the steps of stone narrowed, my Friend offered a hand to help me
over the difficult places. A person seemed to appear out of the blue
and I immediately knew He was my friend. There was a glow about him.
His smile was comforting. Sometimes He was beside me, then he was far
ahead. The path was marked by a red blood strip on the trees distances
apart.
The path became more difficult.
Sometimes it seemed to disappear and only the blood red strip on the
tree assured me I was on the right path.
A soft breeze cooled my sweaty
body and once again the sounds of birds chirping and water falling
refreshed my spirits. I gained a second wind.
I didn't see my friend
for a while, yet, I could feel His presence near. Feelings of joy and
confidence renewed my strength.
Once again I started the climb, the path winding through the wooded
area, then stony barren places. I had to continuously keep my eyes on
the mark.
A place in the path had a hole where a stone had fallen down the
mountainside. I tripped and fell; the pain in my foot was throbbing. My
eyes were blurred by foggy puffs of wind. I cried out for help and
instantly my friend appeared. He had everything that was necessary to
sooth my pain and get me started back on the path. He nourished my
hunger with apples and berries and He lifted my spirit by His laughter
and comfort.
"How long the venture took, I do not know. I lost all account of time.
It did not matter. I was engrossed in a trail that took me higher and
higher.
A waterfall rushed over the side of the mountain where luscious colors
of pink and red and yellow flowers grew in abundance. Green fern and
ivy vines covered the ground and pushed upward on the great tall tree
trunks. The air was pure and my heart pounded with excitement.
Again I continued my journey. The path was still marked by the blood
red strips on trees but the path soon became a climbing project, almost
as climbing from one large stone to another. I kept my mind on the
friend I had become so closely acquainted with - how He had given me
new joy - helped me when I fell - encouraged and comforted me and
nourished my hunger. The adrenaline flowed in my body and I accepted my
challenge of reaching the top. As I made the climb, I suddenly glanced
up and there He stood at the top of the mountain.
He took my hand and lifted me to the flat cathedral platform. Crystal
clear pools of water sparkled in the sunlight and sprayed into a
rainbow of colors as they landed at the bottom of the mountains. Velvet
green pine trees and waving leaves of other trees swayed in the breezes
below us. Purple and pink mingled with golden sunrays brushed through
blue skies. Joy was exploding in my being. I was intoxicated with love
and peace. Everything that I had ever desired seemed so insignificant.
I was in complete ecstasy. I knew I was on the mountaintop with my
Lord. After a time of refreshment and rest, I knew it was time to
return. I must descend. I did not anticipate descending the mountain
would be so gradual. The path was not hard to follow and most of the
pathway was clearly marked.
I did not see my Lord as
I traveled the path back down the mountain. But I knew His presence was
near me. The experience I had from the hike would be written in my
heart forever. I knew my friend and Lord would always be there for me.
I knew that when I needed help I could cry out for help and He would
come and lift me up and encourage me to grow closer and higher to Him.
Somehow I knew I must return and climb again.
I was near the clearing now on the floor beside the great mountains.
Soft breezes brushed my face and sweet fragrances of wild flowers
filled the air.
Dot Marstellar.