we like to hike it, hike it
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We moved to Seattle expecting rain, so we have been pleasantly surprised by the beautiful summer we have experienced here! We know the rainy days are coming, so as part of our settling in, we are taking full advantage of our weekends and opportunities to hike in the several mountain ranges surrounding Seattle.
I grew up knowing, loving, and hiking in the Smoky Mountains. I thought Black Rock and Pinnacle Mountains were about as beautiful as it could get. Western North Carolina, you will always have a piece of me, and I will always have fond feelings for those beautiful, cloudy mountains --
But man. Smokies - you were holding out on me! Mount Rainier?! You have stolen my heart.
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We made our first visit to Rainier National Park a few weeks ago, planning it with our friends. We met them at their apartment and left just as the sun was beginning to brighten the sky. Elliot dozed in the backseat and Ross and I talked about making healthier food choices for our family, and decided to take the plunge and do the Whole30 diet with the Fees. Somehow we often make big decisions while driving. :)
As we got closer to the park we began passing several small lakes and then, there it was. A glimpse of the giant! On a clear day, you can see the mountain from our apartment complex, or just driving about town, and still, it takes my breath away. Seeing it so close was almost more than I could take in.
We parked at Paradise Inn, and there we were. Towering before us, in all its greatness, Mount Rainier. I know I'm making this sound like we were at the Matterhorn or something, but Mount Rainier IS my Matterhorn.
We took the most beautiful trail up (Skyline) and together with the Fees we were frequently stopping to take in our surroundings - we would turn around to look over our shoulders - to see how far we had come, and were always surprised by even more views. With Rainier in front of us, wildflowers completely surrounding the trail, the Cascade mountain range behind us, waterfalls, glaciers, and even hearing an avalanche - we couldn't quit saying we felt like we were in Narnia or Lord of the Rings. Could heaven be more beautiful than this? We spent some time talking about the
New Heaven and the New Earth and what Mount Rainier could possibly look
like on the New Earth. We discussed what it would be to hike and not get tired,
and what a privilege it would be to be named the care taker of some beautiful
mountains.
Seven miles later, we found ourselves winding back down to the parking lot. With our heads out of the clouds (literally), I wasn't sure if it was all a dream, or if we had truly experienced such beauty. I like to think it was both. I think Mount Rainier is breathtaking beauty and reality - but also a dream. A little glimpse into heaven. If I close my eyes (or open them!) I am beginning to see little pieces of heaven - I am beginning to understand what the New Earth will look like when the Lord comes and restores it to its original beauty.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for opening my eyes.
**For more on the subject of Heaven and the New Earth, I strongly recommend reading Heaven by Randy Alcorn**
Seven miles later, we found ourselves winding back down to the parking lot. With our heads out of the clouds (literally), I wasn't sure if it was all a dream, or if we had truly experienced such beauty. I like to think it was both. I think Mount Rainier is breathtaking beauty and reality - but also a dream. A little glimpse into heaven. If I close my eyes (or open them!) I am beginning to see little pieces of heaven - I am beginning to understand what the New Earth will look like when the Lord comes and restores it to its original beauty.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for opening my eyes.
**For more on the subject of Heaven and the New Earth, I strongly recommend reading Heaven by Randy Alcorn**
