Carina Devera

Give thanks for mountains. We are often called to ‘high places.’

            In some cultures, we discuss ‘thin places’ that are close to heaven. In the Celtic tradition, heaven is only six feet away in memorable geographic locations such as certain islands or mountains, which hold sacred significance in multiple faith traditions.

            Walk out your door. Hike or drive toward a peak. Go uphill. Grow short of breath or pause and catch a second wind. Continue. Get closer to the heavens. Stand on the peak. Look out across the vista.

            The natural world offers its own cathedrals. In our region, mountains become one of those places that are holy to people in many cultures. Give thanks for the presence of such heights — physical and spiritual— in our landscape. — Rev Gail

You brought them in and planted them on the mountain of your own possession, the place, O Lord, that you made your abode, the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hands have established.
— Exodus 15:17

The world has enough beautiful mountains and meadows, spectacular skies and serene lakes. It has enough lush forests, flowered fields, and sandy beaches. It has plenty of stars and the promise of a new sunrise and sunset every day. What the world needs more of is people to appreciate and enjoy it.
— Michael Josephson

How to climb a mountain. — Carina Devera

1. Don’t forget to pack your courage.
2. Do not presume a mountain can be climbed all at once; one step at a time is all you will be granted.
3. Faced with such permanence, take comfort in all that is fleeting, and dare not disturb the rocks.

Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
    break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people,
    and will have compassion on his suffering ones.
— Isaiah 49:13