This past week I was in Estes Park, Colorado, high up in the mountains, in a ranch, taking a class on Change Management. The class was fantastic and they worked us day and night. The setting was spectacular. We were surrounded by high mountains, full of pine trees, and a creek went through the property. For pretty much every awaken hour I was doing something with the class or preparing assignments. When the class ended on Thursday afternoon I immediately changed and went for a 5 mile exercise walk.
I walked in a state park that for some reason was empty. I never saw or heard a human being, a car, a plane, or a radio during the entire walk. No matter where I looked, I could only see nature, nothing man-made. In that silence, I could hear and feel God. God was speaking through the gurgling of the creek on my left, through the sounds of the aspen trees, or the songs of stellar jays or chickadees. I could feel such joy, love, an clarity. In the distance I could see the snow capped mountains of the continental divide. We are so fortunate that our Creator has made such a beautiful and bountiful planet for us. How lovely that when we take the time to bask in its beauty, he strolls alongside, talking, sharing, and laughing with us.
Technorati Tags: Gratitude, Spirituality
Lovely. I'm happy you didn't meet any mountain lions, though!
Posted by: patti | April 30, 2006 at 06:09 PM
It brings home the psalm: I lift my eyes to the quiet hills...
Glad you had a wonderful time in that beautiful state.
Posted by: Argent | April 30, 2006 at 07:27 PM
I've been there several times, and it is breath-takingly beautiful. A nice place to have a class; I wouldn't have thought about that setting...
Posted by: Steve Bogner | April 30, 2006 at 09:37 PM
isn't that Rocky mountain national park. And if it is,then it's the most breath-takingly beautiful place I've ever been to :)
Glad you were able to walk with God too :) Do please blog more about it
Posted by: | May 01, 2006 at 06:55 AM
Sounds like a little slice of heaven. My husband and I own some land way up in NorthEastern Maine, and I've been getting quite the itch lately to build a cabin up there for some get aways. Your post just inspired me further.
Posted by: Essy | May 01, 2006 at 11:25 AM
Estes Park - I know it forwards and backwards. Probably been there at least a half dozen times and get giddy as a school girl every time I get close to it.
I was up there in late summer one year on the exact day that the entire park full of Aspens turned their leaves from green to yellow. I will never forget that day as long as I live...
Posted by: HeyJules | May 03, 2006 at 09:13 PM
Patti, Argent, Steve, Lorna (?), Essy, and Jules,
how nice to hear from you. I livved in Colorado 10 years ago. It always brings a smile to go back to those glorious mountains. I love the smell of the pine trees, the fresh air, and the blue skies. It's really a special place. I'm glad you all love it as much.
Posted by: Hector | May 03, 2006 at 09:45 PM
I agree with you. I miss being up in North California.
Posted by: Jeff | May 24, 2006 at 04:39 PM