Sabbath in the Mountains (Part 1)

For the last 3 weeks we have spent our Sabbath days outside exploring nature and all that God has blessed us with that is just beyond our back doorstep. I can't imagine any better way to spend a day connecting with God and family than outside in the Colorado summer. In 3 weeks we have experienced rain, snow, extreme heat, bugs and an all too perfect yesterday in the upper 70's with just a little bit of cloud cover and breeze to keep everyone from pooping out on our hike. I wouldn't trade these days for the world!
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I've only got a few pics from our Sabbath 3 weeks ago in Estes Park. It was cold and gloomy and I suppose I was too focused on staying warm to take pictures.


The elk - every time we are in Estes we go on a hunt for these fellas. This time we found them next to the lake just enjoying the day.


The blowing snow

We found a little corner in the coffee shop located in the old, "haunted" Stanley Hotel and spent some time reading the Bible together. And through it all I have to say that the word for this day was "perseverance." It was a tough one. I was grumpy. The girls were grumpy. We were unprepared for the cold and tired. But we persevered. We were faithful to the command of Sabbath and we did our best.

I am learning so much about what it means to be faithful. . .and what it does not mean. Faithfulness comes with struggles. Faithfulness is rarely something we WANT to do. Faithfulness is full of determination, often tears and frustration. Faithfulness always wants to teach us something. Faithfulness has its own rewards - often not seen in the moment. Faithfulness can make a person mad and ready to give up and go hide under the covers. Faithfulness to God invites Darkness to throw a party in your minivan. :-) BUT in perseverance, faithfulness is worth it and Light wins every time. . .as you'll see in "Part 2."

So, Mr. Sabbath, we will continue to be faithful. . .you prove yourself worth it every time. . .