We spent a glorious two days in the mountains... the family has a cabin in the mountains that we visited for the first time. I can assure you we will be going back. As often as possible. Especially now that I know we have unlimited access.
I can't begin to explain what I loved about being there. Certainly, it was because it's in the mountains. I seriously could never live far from my beloved mountains. How can a person be in the midst of such perfect majesty and not believe in God? Such beauty cannot come from an accident.
The other piece was the peace.
I should tell you that while the cabin has electricity, there is no running water, no phone service, and has two 10 by 12 rooms, one upstairs, one downstairs. For six people, this presents a bit of a space problem. The cabin is affectionately known as "The Shack." For the bathroom, there is a shed several yards away containing a composting toilet. The shower consists of a solar heated bag of water hung on the side of the shed. Primitive, but not unlivable.
For two days, I didn't have to listen to the phone. For two days, I did not hear the blaring of a TV. For two days, we had no computers. For two days, all we had was the glory of God and each other. We had good food, good conversation, good hikes, good times. Not once did my kids say, "Mom, I'm bored."
I enjoyed a book and a cup of tea overlooking a small pond while the birds sang me a song so beautiful, I wonder what I did to deserve such a spectacular symphony. While reading another book, moths attacked me. Apparently, not all of nature appreciates my taste in literature. All in all, I read ten books this weekend.
I'm reminded of Thoreau and I understand the appeal of Walden. Here, in the mountains, I have found my own Walden. And truly, being back in the city, I feel as though a piece is missing from my heart.
This morning, after a comfortable night in my own bed, I woke to such a cacophony that I ran out to the porch, hands over my ears, trying to focus only on the sound the birds in our yard and then the soft whisper of rain. I hated being back in the land of noise. I hated that the children were downstairs on one TV, my husband upstairs on the other. They are in bed now, and the only thing I hear is the soft clack of my fingers on the keyboard and the ticking of the kitchen clock. I miss the hummingbirds. I miss the quiet so dense you can hear the wings of the moths as they float through the darkness.
As I adjust to being back home, I have to figure out how to bring back the feeling of peace we all knew. How about you? Where do you find the most peace? And how do you keep it with you in the midst of all the craziness of life?
8 comments:
I'll trade you wake-up calls. Yours definitely wins.
This is why I love camping.
And how you feel about the mountains--that's how I feel about the ocean.
I love going to the mountains too. I live in the country where it is pretty quiet and peaceful, but it is a different quiet from that of the mountains. We are going camping in Estes Park this weekend and I can't wait!
I have also been to Thoreau's Walden Pond, and it is a different kind of quiet as well. I think perhaps God gave us a variety of ways of discovering His peace - His comfort at home, His inspiration in the mountains, and His refelction in a pond.
I hope you get back to the cabin soon!
I don't blame you! sounds wonderful. My soul yearns for something like that. Summer is already over for us, though.
I do like running water a LOT, though.
Sounds lovely, Danica. Finding quiet is absolutely vital to me and therefore, really difficult at times. I often just go to my bedroom, light a candle, put in ear plugs and sit on the floor. By the way, 10 books? Are you kidding me? Were they comic books or did you take the Evelyn Wood speed reading course?
Heather, I actually feel the same way about the ocean, but if I had to choose, I'd pick mountains. I need mountains by the ocean. Now that would be perfect!
Dianne, have a great trip!
Kay, how sad that it's over already!
Robbie, I never thought about earplugs!! I really need them today with all the fighting the kiddos are doing.
Nature seems to bring you back to the Creator, doesn't it? I LOVE being in the mountains too. I am so glad you had a great time!
I hear you Danica. I get my time late at night. This is why I am a night owl.
Sounds like a great getaway. Start planning one again soon!
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