Daily Devotion

Sharon Norris

Our family had planned a trip to Western Canada for August, 2020. It had taken a lot of time in 2019 to find dates when everyone was available, and a location that supported people’s different interests. By this past May, it became obvious that even if the borders to Canada opened, taking an international trip was probably not the best idea. So, we cancelled. In the overall scheme of the losses and grief faced by so many during this pandemic, this was a minor issue.

Since we still had vacation time off, we decided to book a rental house in one of our favorite areas of the Blue Ridge mountains instead. Our plan was to drive, bringing our own food, and cooking in the rental. Our main activities would be hiking and biking so that we were away from crowds.

The trip ended up being restorative. It was slower-paced than our usual vacations, without as much sight-seeing as we would have usually done. We spent a lot of time just sitting on the deck and admiring the majestic view. There was so much beauty in nature, like the hummingbird that would fly at eye level every morning. Seeing the mountain peaks felt a little surreal at first. So much in our world had changed since we had last been there, but the mountains were the same - still beautiful and still awe-inspiring. It reminded me that God’s magnificent love for us is unchanging too, and is still there in the midst of this challenging time.

One morning on our trip, we were driving to a remote hike, and we passed a small church sign that simply read, “Does my strength come from the mountains?”  This is a part of a verse I love in Psalm 121 and I immediately felt comforted thinking of the next part, “No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven and earth and the mountains.” It was a good reminder that God, who has given us so many blessings and so much beauty in our world, gives us strength and lifts us up always, even in the really hard times. May you feel renewed by God’s unchanging love as you continue to walk through these days. 

Psalm 121:1-2  I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. (Msg)

2 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Kristin Kalsem

I love your devotional Sharon! I am heading to those mountains in two weeks for my own restorative break. I will take your words with me!

10/9/2020 11:36 AM

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Danelle Buelsing

Praise God for those beautiful mountains and all that they represent.

10/14/2020 11:49 PM

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