Mountains and Meadows

I have one of those crystal clear memories from when I was in Yosemite in El Capitan Meadow, probably about 7 or 8 years ago. I was just sitting there in the tall grass and there was a breeze and I was totally in awe of the world around me. I remember thinking I have to remember this exact moment.

A couple weeks ago I was feeling kinda far away from God, ironically because of the distraction and busyness of the Christmas season. I didn't even know what to pray at the time, I was just kinda sitting there, early in the morning before the sun came up. A cup of coffee and a candle lit. Meaning to be seeking Him but not really having the words, feeling distracted, bothered by the clutter around me.

Out of nowhere, I start getting pictures in my head of Yosemite. For a few minutes I sat there just remembering that amazing place, like a slideshow. I felt like God was showing Himself to me. How grand and great and almighty and beautiful and perfect He is. How everything with him is in perfect order, no clutter, nothing out of place. It was very beautiful and peaceful and comforting. I kept calling it to mind throughout the day, it felt like a love letter or something : )

Then the very next day my friend Chris posted this quote on Facebook - “The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.”
-John Muir

It hugely touched my heart, and I googled John Muir. Turns out he is the person responsible for preserving Yosemite as a National Park! He lived there and had a great love for it. I started reading his description of it and couldn't believe it. I shared with Chris my 'slideshow' experience from the day before and he shared with me that John Muir was a Christian who regarded nature as God's Cathedral. 

The statement nature as God's Cathedral really struck me. It comes close to describing how nature often makes me feel. Especially sunset and sunrise, I can't really explain it. Expressing it was what I was going for in my painting.

The mountain in the painting is a combo of 2 scenes at Yosemite, El Capitan and Horsetail Falls, so its geographically incorrect, but it comes close to conveying the feeling and memory of awe in my heart that I felt then, and do now, at the sight of Gods Glory being displayed in nature and light. 

~ I have to add to the story now. Minutes after posting on Facebook my friend Nikki said this painting had special meaning for her and she would like to buy it. I really don't want to part with it, but I believe it was meant for her and I said yes. She was married in Yosemite, so I can imagine it carries even more precious memories for her.

So this morning I couldn't sleep, and I went to their Yosemite album and I am attaching the picture I found there. Amazing. And Nikki and her husband Cory both love God which just makes it all more evident its all from Him!!!!!!! Wow!!!