Mt. Evans

Today I had the pleasure of going to the mountains.  We drove up Mt. Evans and I was reminded of all the passages in the scriptures that spoke of prophets going up to the mountains as they were a temple to the Lord.  The Earth has a spirit and has been sanctified by God.  Mountains are often traversed less than other ground and remain more untouched by the ills and needs of the human populace that leaves destruction in their waste.  It makes sense then, why this is an acceptable place of sacredness to converse with the Lord and receive revelation.  I also couldn’t help but see the metaphor: when one makes the effort to struggle (emotional, physical, mental, etc) to the top one has a clear, unobstructed view of the area around the mountain.  So it is in our development to draw unto the Lord.  The more we struggle, push and climb, the more of a view is afforded us. 

Another really interesting thing that stood out to me on our drive was the bristlecone, a tree that grows twisted for a stronger foundation against extreme winds.  These pines are the oldest single living organism on earth, capable of living for thousands of years.  Although I have not lived for thousands of years, I felt very much like these trees.  Due to the sharp, harsh environment I live in and due to the trials that surround me, I have had to twist and turn my understandings, desires and hopes in order to survive the torment my body endures.  These trees are slightly dwarfed (yes that was a short joke) and not exactly beautiful to look at, but yet your eyes are drawn to them and you have a sort of respect in your heart for their survival ability.