During this season of life, I have spent a lot of time looking at the view on the ascent to the top of Mount Perspective.  I have been up here before, but it’s been a while.  I really need to get up here more often as I always come away with a clear view of what is happening in the situational valleys.  Well I shouldn’t say always, sometimes the valleys below are covered in clouds and there is no view to speak of.  Sometimes those clouds descend on the mountain making the climb very difficult as the fog and mist make the climb appear risky with slippery rocks and not really sure where the next safe step will be.  There have been other times up here on the mountain spent in the dark before the dawn, a period of waiting for the darkness to lift anxiously waiting for the new day to reveal herself.  This is typically a time of anxiety and impatience, but I am finding that is a good time to be still and listen.

The nice thing about coming up here is that eventually the weather lifts and the perspective on the passing storms can be a beautiful view.  The rain dropped on a dry and weary land produces growth that flourishes in to a plush green meadow.  Within the vast details of growth and beauty lies a new landscape shaped by the storm.  Pruned branches lay dead on the ground from violent winds passing through, shifting sands compacted and pave the beach as the tide goes in and out, whole fields lay smoldering, burned to the ground from bolts of lightening and new paths on the hillside carved by the rain waters flowing to give new life to parched ground.  What lies ahead now are more fruitful trees, free of dead branches, sandy beaches with well defined shorelines and paths to greener pastures waiting for life and His joyful presence.

Every traveler in the storm must eventually seek higher ground, but that climb is rarely easy.  The ascent will take time, take strength, take determination, and requires a resolve to move to the higher places.  The heart and mind to conquer the mountain must rely on the one who made the mountain for the journey itself is one of faith.  From within the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of what is unseen must come the assurance, the unwavering confidence that the Creator has paved a way to the top.  Stay the course, take every thought captive, extinguish the flaming arrows purposed to knock you down the mountain, yes, stay the course!  To understand the storms, to understand the purge, and to see the emerging growth as it begins to flourish is the fruit of the journey.  Rest on the mountain and take time to heal.  As I sit on the side of the mountain near the top, still making my way, I am seeing what is emerging and it is good.  I am thankful for a glimpse across the valley for it is the nourishment I need to finish the ascent.  So much has come into perspective, so much has been explained and so much has been exposed for the purpose of pruning.  As the winter of discontent slowly fades, the spring of new beginnings awaits.  Though I know that other storms will roll in and the seasons will change, I can confidently affirm that I can see clearly now that the rain is gone!