Mountain Walk

Today was pretty much a rain event in Maggie Valley. However, this evening the rain and clouds gave way to a glorious evening as the mountain sky was overrun with streaks of purple and a half moon that promised a clear night. As I put my shoes on to walk the dog, Micah asked, "Can I go daddy?" Obviously I gave a resounding, "Yes." Little did I know that God would use it as a fresh visual aid to what he has been teaching me lately. Back to the walk in a minute. God has been teaching me lately that many times our prayers are dominated by the mind as we look to articulate the right words to express to our Lord. God has been teaching me this week that our prayers have little to do with refined sentences and fancy words. God isn't impressed with our rhetoric or our language....he created them all just as he created us. God cares about prayers that come directly from the heart. Regardless of our words or lack there of, God simply wants us to come with a heart that is turned toward him, expressing our true feelings, our true weaknesses, and a desire to simply be intimate with him. Each morning over the last week, I have paid special attention to sit in God's presence in silence. I have spent much time allowing God to examine my heart as I look to remove all rhetoric that would hinder my prayers. Back to the story, as Micah and I climbed the mountain during our walk, Micah slipped his hand in mine to help him with the severe incline as Val was preoccupied with new found smells. As we climbed up the mountain trail, Micah looked up at me and said, "Dad it's good to be with you all by myself." As my heart melted I responded, "You are so right Micah. You are so right." As the trail leveled out, Micah ran ahead checking out the acorns and falling leaves that had fallen victim to the rain. However, as we turned around and headed back, Micah's hand once again slipped into mine as he proclaimed, "Dad I love you with all my heart." Before I could respond he clarified, "That means that I love you very much!"

Tonight as I sit at my computer I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that he chose to use this walk to inspire my heart and encourage my soul. I'm grateful that he cares enough to provide visual aids that help this father see the true longing of my Heavenly Father.

Are you taking the time for mountain walks with the Father? Eliminate all the run on sentences, fancy words, and hollow words. Simply sit in His presence letting Him examine your heart, letting Him feel your heart, and letting Him encourage your heart.

Abiding in Him!

Stephen