This past weekend, my husband and I drove up into the mountains of West Virginia; at every turn, it was as if the scene before us was a picture-taking moment. We were moving too fast in the car to capture the beauty all around us in photographs. Every small town we passed through was worthy of an oil painting; there were horses grazing in fields of verdant green grass. goats as playful as small children frolicking in the meadows, and ponds etched into the landscape beside farmhouses and bright red barns.
Always, as you rise in elevation, the mountains seem to suddenly loom up around you. Sometimes, they look purple. Sometimes, they look green or brown. Often, there is this mist of fog; you travel on through a soft cloud. Many times in the car if I am in the passenger seat, I will fall asleep on long rides .But, this time, I did not want to miss a single moment. Scattered throughout the lush greenery were the Redbud trees blooming in profusion. Those rosy pink blossoms seemed to echo through the mountains the wonder of springtime’s arrival.
We passed over many rivers atop the tall bridges. We passed by meandering springs, and also raging river rapids. The rapids are always mesmerizing. The water hurls itself over the rocks and rambles on and on…The force of nature is so compelling to watch. I have never gone white water rafting, but I can understand the thrill it must hold. I have ventured out in a canoe or a kayak; perhaps, that is enough adventure for me!
We made our way to Morgantown in West Virginia. Our destination was at Cheat Lake, where my sister currently resides. I was not disappointed when at last we came upon the lake. I am not a painter, but if I was, I would have taken out my easel and paints. I would paint the placid lake in soft blues; I would paint the mountain backdrop in a medley of hues…greens, and maybe, amethyst. I always think of amethyst when it comes to the mountains; the mountains are worthy of a royal hue, more enchanting than any castle set upon a hill.
It is the sheer beauty of the open road that holds us captive on such a journey as this; the wilderness is just beyond the little towns of small town wonder. As night settles in, the stars come out. From the car window, the vista that passes by speaks of families breaking bread at kitchen tables, sleepy dogs resting on the front porch, tractors, quiet in the evening light, children getting ready for bed.
There is something to be said for a quiet life. Surely, when we slow down long enough, we are reminded that the best things in life are not ever ‘things’ at all. When we have breakfast at my sister’s house in the morning, she tells me that that the Maine blueberry jelly that we brought was the best she ever tasted. I am not from Maine, but I agree with her. My sister smiles as she brings me a cup of hot coffee and then she says, “That jam is full of real blueberries. I have never had anything like that before .”Once again, I agree with her. Unless it was homemade, most products today are not jam-packed with fresh fruit. Lots of things don’t seem ‘real’ anymore.
We did not listen to much music up there in the mountains, but we did eat dinner beside the lake. We watched as evening drew the curtains on another day. I listened to the sounds that caught my attention. I listened to the little birds singing their goodnight songs. I listened as my niece spoke of her upcoming plans for the summer. I had to catch my breath when she arrived to greet us in her lovely summer hat and pale blue dress. I remember the toddler who danced before my eyes yesterday. Now, she is graduating from college, about to embark on a life of her own.
There were other sounds I listened to as well. I heard the sounds of laughter as my husband and brother-in-law talked about their golfing day, and all the fun that they had had. I heard the sounds of my sister and my mother chattering away on the terrace, playing with my sister’s new puppy. My mother told everyone that she had really enjoyed this second birthday celebration of the week; she could not believe she was really eighty-seven years old.
It dawned on me suddenly that we were just like the families in those farmhouses with the twinkling lights and the stars just coming out. It really does not matter when it comes to friends and family where you meet. The people who love you will always find you, be it a city street, or a cabin tucked in the woods. Many years may pass, or maybe, only a day. It is the feeling of acceptance that matters, the knowing that you are always welcome, you are always ‘at home’ in the presence of these people.
There is a place where we are always ‘at home’, always welcome. The porch light is on just in case you lose your way. The door is not locked, and you are called by name. This ‘place’ can be anywhere, and you don’t need a reservation.
This ‘place’ is in the company of God. He does not mind if you are talkative or in the mood to be quiet. He does not mind if you want to sit on the porch swing, or you want to go white water rafting. He just wants to sit beside you, be it a rocker or a boat. And if you have been away for awhile, He is all the more happy to see you.
You are the light of His life, and He wants to light up yours. Wherever you wander, no matter what country road you travel, He is your constant companion.
Yes, I enjoyed those mountain moments…I enjoyed the company of family beside a still lake. Most of all, I enjoyed the moments of reflection, a time to remember why we must make time for quietude: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Yes, you could’ve taken many photos, or painted many scenes, but your words gave us the experience. A perfect place to commune with the Father. Thank you, Linda. God’s grip – Alan
The natural world is a beautiful place and God created it for us to enjoy. The mountains are an endless wonder…perhaps, it is because the mountains seem to reach toward heaven. In life, we climb a little higher each day, always seeking to do the will of our Heavenly Father. We worry about slipping, falling, not meeting the mark set before us. Always, He takes our hand, rocks flying out from under us, leads us up the mountain, day by day. He never lets go. All we need do is grab hold of His hand.
Linda you painted us into the picture with your words and descriptions beautifully. Then simply put you nailed it by saying wherever we are we can be home …”This ‘place’ is in the company of God.” and that is “Home” I’m just glad I know that lace of “Home” almost daily.
You are blessed, Gary! You are aware on a day to day basis that your relationship with God is the cornerstone of your life. Home is a place within our hearts and God lives there. When we understand that, we live differently. We are changed and life as we know it becomes fuller…
Thank you for the mental vacation trip. I’ve been in that area many times, and your descriptions were like photos. “There is something to be said for a quiet life.” I agree, the conversations about nothing, the plain meals or delight over Maine blueberry jam (Our Boston dwelling daughter sent us some; it’s exquisite!) or just listening to the evening sounds are good for our souls. Even more so, those
Strange, how the little moments move us and bring us so much joy. It is the simple things that seem to matter most in life…Quietude is so good for our souls…listening to the rain, or crickets on a summer night. The world makes us feel that we should be endlessly busy, endlessly ‘doing’. Even Jesus withdrew from the crowds and longed for solitude with His Father. How much more so then, should we so deeply need to ‘rest’ in God?
….quiet times with the Father.
The best of times!
I don’t think a painter could have captured the beauty, the colors, and the detail any better than you did! Rich and wonderful descriptions that drew me into your world and made me smile. Excellent writing, my friend. Artistry with the pen and the heart. I feel like I was on that ride with you, and on the porch….Thank you for sharing that experience with us!
Elisa, God has ‘painted’ this world so beautifully that it escapes our ability to express it. His brushstrokes are so perfect that we are left in awe. It is as it should be; though we watch a sunrise day by day, they are never the same. Our God of the sunrise will continue to amaze us through eternity; that is the gift, that is the reason for why we ever came to be at all.
We will never be able to fully grasp what a gift God gave us when he created our natural world. 🌏🌍🌎
So true! How blessed we are with all that He has created! 🙂
Your words are beautiful. Your descriptions and experiences are truly heaven on Earth. Isn’t the Earth more beautiful with Jesus in our heart? 💛❤️😭 thank you for following me. I’m so glad to have found you. God bless you!
I am so glad that I found you as well! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Yes, you are so right…Jesus changes everything! I wish you blessings also, and look forward to reading your posts!
Thank you so much, Linda! 💛💚
Such a lovely evocation of nature’s restorative power, family, and quietude. I miss them.
Yes, we have missed family and friends so much this year! It is healing to reunite and see one another again…
I hope it’s a harbinger of good things to come.
I hope so too! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Such a beautiful description of these “mountain moments!” You say you are not a painter, but you painted this beautifully with words!
Thank you Mary! That is such a sweet thing to say! 🙂 I love the ride up through the mountains…It is hard to put into words; everything just feels right. We passed so many horse farms, and I just love those little goats! (I need to bring you bring with me on my next trip…then, I will have some paintings!!!)
That is wonderful that you spent time with your family and paid attention to hear their laughing voices. And I love the homemade blueberry jelly and the serenity of nature!
It was a wonderful family time. My mother just turned eight-seven, and we had a celebration for her big day. The mountains are always so peaceful…:)
the sheer magic and wonder is so poetically revealed in your bountiful writing style Linda, so a joy to read 🙂
family is nice and children grow far too quick 🙂
Kate, your poetic heart resonates with all the beauty found in nature. You understand what is real, and what is not. It is a gift to ‘see’ the world in this way. Children do grow up far too quickly, and we have much to learn from them. They find joy without even looking for it; they just understand that it is right there waiting for them.:)
yes, that is the ‘innocence’ we should never lose Linda!
I came upon this post at the end of a work day. I achieved much today but none of it fills me. There is something better out in the open air beneath the yellow~blue skies. There is a reason why the angels bring us certain posts when they do. They know when the heart seeks comfort and healing.
I have often felt that very same way…I will come upon a post that I needed to read. At the right moment, it was there. I believe in the work of the angels; they are always there, a source of comfort on our behalf. Sometimes, though, and this happens to us all, we are almost too weary to see that the angels are working beneath the yellow-blue skies. It is then that we must step out again and look up at the canopy of wonder above us. (The angels are always closer than we know; how they long to dance for us, but we must be watching.)
That has always been one of my favorite verses….so simple, and yet so meaningful at the same time.
It is a favorite of mine as well, and something I need reminding of every day! 🙂
It sounds so lovely and peaceful. Your description is so apt and beautiful. Happy birthday to your mother! My mother will be 87 this year, too :).
It was very peaceful! Wishing your mother birthday blessings when her big day arrives! I am so inspired by these wonderful mothers of ours; they have taught us so much and loved so well.
Oh, so wonderful to hear. Thank you so much!
🙂 🙂 🙂
“There is something to be said for a quiet life” really struck a chord with me as it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. I wish we had mountains near me!
I think the most important thing is to find the quiet moments in any given day. The mountains do inspire a sense of peace, but, so can so many places…a lake, a pond, the ocean. Sometimes, we need to explore a new place just to remember how much is out there…
How wonderful that you got to spend time with your family, and that you recognized that special gift and enjoyed every second. The fact that it was in such a beautiful place–that you described so well–is a bonus. Happy birthday to your mother.
Time goes by so quickly…all we can do is grab the moments while we can! Thank you for the birthday wishes to my mother! 🙂
You’re very welcome!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Linda, thanks for sharing these mountain moments. When my wife and I travel from our Ohio home to her hometown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, we always drive through the mountains of West Virginia and western Maryland. We are looking forward to “finally” making another trip in the coming months.
It is a beautiful drive through the mountains! I hope you enjoy your upcoming trip. After the year we have had with this pandemic, we certainly look forward to traveling adventures!