"The Mountains are calling and I must go" John Muir
About a week ago, I wrote out my entire blog post in the car on the way from Denver to Telluride. I thought I was done, what a relief! All I would have to do was tweak it a bit and then post......WRONG! As I have said before, life is funny - it never goes quite how you expect. So here I am in Telluride and there is a lot of time to think on a hike, especially a hard one! Needless to say, I have change my original post all thanks to going up Jud Weibe the wrong way!
This post goes out to Linda and all my WIW bible study ladies who have allowed me to be oh so vulnerable - thank you! I have been a part of the same bible study for well over ten years and it has been transformative in a very subtle yet powerful way. One exercise we have done over and over is guided imagery. Basically, what that means is taking a reading from the bible, putting yourself in the scene and discerning any thoughts or feeling that may arise. Have you ever done guided imagery?* If not, try it out now! I am going to use one of my favorite reading and guided imagery experiences based on The Transfiguration. It doesn't need to be a long process. First, read through the passage slowly and place yourself in the scene. What sight and sounds do you experience? How does it make you feel? Can you relate with the disciples? Does it make you want to stay on the mountain or run in fear?
Matthew 17:1-7
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
*For a short guided imagery based on the daily readings go to https://pray-as-you-go.org/home/#
In bible study, we have done a guided imagery based on this reading several different times over the years. The first time coincided with a period in my life when I was having a "mountain top" experience. I had just found relief from crippling anxiety. Every time I heard this reading I thought about how I loved being up on the mountain. The next time we did the guided imagery, I pictured myself at the base of the mountain. I knew staying on the mountain wasn't realistic so I walked down. When I got to the bottom, I was stuck. I didn't know where to go next. I hope this is making sense - stick with me! For years (yes years), whenever I heard this reading or we did the guided imagery, there I was in the same place. I knew that leaving the bottom of the mountain meant going out in some new way to serve God, but I didn't know exactly what that looked liked.
Here come my ah ha moment.....it happened today on the trail. Going out to serve God or follow your passion or calling takes an immense amount of trust and vulnerability AND it doesn't have to be perfect! I have never in my life been a hiker - heck I have never really liked the outdoors except for skiing until I came to Telluride in the summer. As I was hiking today (feeling like I could die), I realized I was completely vulnerable and had to trust that God would protect me and get me through the hike (mind you this was an extremely easy hike in the eyes of an experienced hiker). The same goes for my everyday life. I have to trust that God will lead me where I should go and how I can serve Him. What this looks like is between me and God and not anyone else!
What is calling you? and where should you go? Go and be vulnerable!!!!
Ending this post with one of my favorite prayers....
Litany of Transfiguration
All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Response: Let me see only Jesus
When I am tempted to look at my faults. R/ When I am trouble by the sector of doubt and defeat. R/ When I can't see beyond the frustration of the moment. R/ When the horizon seems distant and dark. R/ When I can't see the point of pursuing whats good. R/ When complaining and cynicism invade my peace. R/ When I can't face my problems. R/ When the word looks bleak. R/ When others measure and judge me. R/ When beset by depression. R/ When friendship is far from me. R/ When overshadowed by sorrow. R/ When I fail to use my freedom. R/ When it's hard to forgive. R/ When things don't make sense. R/ When I think I can't change. R/ When confronted by suffering. R/ When stress gets me down. R/ When it's hard to go on. R/ When the hardness of life overwhelms me. R/ When hope begins to fade. R/
Our Father......
Loving Father, thank you for allowing me to witness the vision of your Son transfigured on Mount Tabor. May I become what I behold so that my life will radiate the glory and grace that remain your priceless gift to me in Jesus. Amen