Road Trip ~ 88/395/50 continued
I love the drive to and through the Sierra Mountains. I start my trip just a few feet above sea level, drive across a large, flat, fertile valley and then slowly wind my way up the rolling, western foothills dotted with majestic oaks, grazing cattle and sweeping vistas. The drive from my side of the mountains is a bit deceptive because large pines block the view along the serpentine road that slowly winds its way up. An occasional break allows a heart stopping view to remind me that I have, indeed, entered the heart of these majestic peaks.
Entering the Sierras from the eastern slopes is a completely different experience. It begins around 4,000 feet in a high desert valley. There are no rolling hills, no majestic oaks, no curtain of massive pines to block my view. The mountains rise abruptly demanding attention and awe. Their massive size blocks most of the precipitation that comes in from the ocean side, allowing only a white dusting of snow on the eastern flatlands. The contrast is as stark as day and night, and it is equally beautiful.
Entering this range from two completely different sides gives two completely different perspectives to the same mountains. One approach is gentle, the other is abrupt. One is green and lush. The other is dry and sparse. Both are equally beautiful. Both arrive at the same destination ~ the heart of the magnificent Sierras with its pine forests, alpine lakes, sweeping meadows and granite peaks ~ surrounded by sights that feed the soul and nourish the poet within each of us.
It makes me think of our personal journeys to Christ. For some, the road is gentle and easy with an occasional, heart stopping life incident along the way. For others, the road is rugged, abrupt and draining. But no matter which road we take, the destination is the same ~ the beautiful, loving, merciful and gracious heart of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment