For the past couple of years, I have had the awesome experience of going on mission trips to Kentucky. My family in Christ and I traveled via convoy (much like a slinky at times) from Eastern N.C., where we live, to the mountains of Kentucky. Our route on Interstate 40 led us across the flat lands of eastern N.C., gradually transitioning into the gently rolling hills of the Piedmont, and then dropped us off at Highway 52 in Winston-Salem. At least some of us anyway! There were a few that loved Interstate 40 so much, that they decided to go a little ways further down the asphalt before turning around and getting on Highway 52. Now, Highway 52 changes things. The gently rolling hills of the Piedmont quickly become the ungently rolling hills of the foothills. Much like the swells of the ocean get larger and closer together right before a storm, the hills of Highway 52 from Winston-Salem to Interstate 77 start bunching together and begin to interfere with the cruise control of those souls who have small engines under the hood. Not too long after leaving Winston-Salem on Highway 52, we encountered the first true mountain on our journey. Everyone wanted to pull off the road and take time to soak in the sight of Pilot Mountain. I also was awestruck by the majesty and uniqueness of Pilot Mountain. However, it was here that a revelation hit me. This was the first time I had ever been awestruck by seeing Pilot Mountain. Why would this be a first time? Well, I was born and raised on the outskirts of Winston-Salem. Pilot Mountain was an ever present sight to my eyes. It was normal. It was not something to get excited about or even to acknowledge. But, this time was different. This time, I actually stopped to look. If someone else hadn’t made me stop, I would have driven right past it, as always. Not seeing, not experiencing, and not acknowledging the beauty or the uniqueness of something that had been with me most of my life. I realize that the Holy Spirit is like that in my life. As a believer, He is always there with me. He is dwelling in me, guiding me, comforting me, and chastising me when needed. But, because He is always there, I allow His presence in my life to become normal, common, even mundane at times. Yet, God is the creator of the universe! He is breathtaking, awe inspiring, and unique. To keep this in focus, I have to stop and listen. Sometimes that takes outside help. This time it was my Sunday School lesson. So, my prayer today is, “God, please help me follow Your plan, encounter Your presence, and acknowledge Your glory each moment of my life”.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 12:05:19 +0000