We out here we out here.
some raw & real thoughts from yours truly
[[So honestly guys I had a whole blog written on my phone about this past weekend and how amazing and majestic it was, but when I went to find the note and post the blog, it had literally disappeared somewhere into iCloud never to be found...so here I am writing this blog from a different perspective, trying to tune into what the Spirit is doing in this moment]] This past weekend, two of my World Race friends and I went on a backpacking trip through the Misty Mountains of Colorado. Despite the steady sprinkling and ongoing fog the first day, we truly saw some majestic sights, indulged in some refreshing laughs and convos, and walked until our toes were barely holding on to the rest of our body. Being immersed in God’s creation truly does something to your mind—your brain feels clearer and you often see things in a way that you’ve never seen them before. Here are the nature moments that stood out to me this weekend: 1) Mountaintops & valleys. When hiking, you spend the majority of your time walking through the valleys, over the rivers, and up the hills to get to the actual mountaintop. In other words, the ascension to get to the peak is not an easy one—it’s usually hours of trekking and trudging to get to a one second view at the top. And once you get to the top of that mountain, it’s truly amazing! You’re often feeling all the feels, seeing everything from a new perspective, and just excited to be where you are. In the past (and still sometimes now tbh) I used to try to jump from one mountaintop moment to the next, but what I’m realizing is that to stay on the mountaintop forever is literally not sustainable—at some point, you have to descend into the valley for food, water, and rest. The mountaintop moments feel great, but the valleys are where you find a deeper, daily nourishment that feeds you for life. The valleys and forests don’t seem as glamorous when you’re in them, but it’s in those places where we spend the majority of our lives, and embracing our time in the valleys is what gives us the strength, restoration, and joy that comes from those beautiful mountaintop moments. All in all, it’s what we do in the valleys that truly make a difference. If you spend your whole life focusing on the next mountaintop, you’re going to miss out on the beauty that is right in front of you down in the valley. I think of Psalm 23:1-4: The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. There is so much beauty that comes from embracing those valleys—and I believe the valleys and meadows are where we learn to grow deep roots with the Lord. 2) Wildflowers. I love wildflowers: I love their resiliency, their color, and the way that each one was created differently and carries its own unique beauty. On this hike, we saw wildflowers everywhere, and it was truly amazing to see—I’ve never seen anything like it before! While hiking, I thought of this passage: And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [Matthew 6:30-32] For real. If God cares about one mere wildflower in the meadow, how much more does He care about us humans that He created in His own image?!? Yet somehow, I’m over here worrying about little daily problems, trying to take control of them myself because I’m too worried that the God who created all of this beauty won’t take care of me. It's truly crazy how The Lord goes before us every day, taking care of us in more ways than we can even see. It's also crazy that He took the time to create each one of us uniquely different, with beautifully different passions and callings over our lives. I encourage you today to take a moment today to stop, look around, and see where the Lord’s hand is in your life. Because it’s totally there and He’s totally working, and even when you feel miles and miles apart from Him, He’s there. Love you all, <3 Mikayla
5 Comments
Roxanna Hartel
7/29/2020 05:25:16 pm
Wow, such insight!
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Rachel LoCascio
7/29/2020 06:09:34 pm
What beautiful words and encouragement! It’s amazing how God builds us in what can appear to be wilderness seasons. His first tabernacle was built in the wilderness (or in the valley). Praying God leads you into greater and greater revelation of His goodness, grace, and purposes. Thanks for blessing me today.
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dad
7/30/2020 09:10:20 am
Mikayla, another wonderful, inspirational post. thank you. keep it up!
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Lydia Rubenic
7/30/2020 10:40:48 am
Sweet Mikay I love your heart! What a beautiful thing the way that God has opened your eyes to see how His creation testifies to who He is and His heart for His children. It is Romans 1:20 in action! I love you sweet friend!
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Carmen
7/31/2020 09:37:08 am
How much more- a good word
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past postswhich way leads to life? visionI love sharing what the Lord is doing in my life! And I hope that my experiences can encourage you, and most importantly, that you are pointed to the grace & love of Jesus. |