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A Mountaintop Transformation
A Continuation from "Transitions of the Night" 
In the summer of 1996 I had the experience of my lifetime. I went to Montana with my church’s youth group and spent five glorious days in the Rocky Mountains. What I thought would be a trip I’d regret turned out to be one that would influence the rest of my life. Growing up in a small town I felt almost invincible, like nothing could stop me. School had always been easy for me and making friends was never a problem, but outside of my safe and secure home I was unaware of what could be hidden in the shadows of the “real world.” I have always gone to church and I thought that I was so close to God. However, my trip to Montana helped me realize that knowing God doesn’t consist of just going to bible study every week and being confirmed. Knowing God involves an intensely personal and unique relationship with Him, giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Him. On the first day, I remember glancing at the mountain path. Anxiousness and excitement filled my entire being, along with doubts and terror. I had no idea what to expect; they had warned us about bears and other dangerous animals. The first three days were very long and tiring and I couldn’t wait to go home. The food was terrible but I forced it down so I wouldn’t starve. It wasn’t until the end of the third day that I began to realize the significance this trip would have on my life. A beautiful mountain lake lay just around the bend. I collapsed from pure exhaustion when we finally reached the clearing where our campsite was to be set up. It was nice to take that 35-pound backpack off my back. Later that night, I took a walk around the lake. The sun was setting and that is the exact moment that I felt it – God’s awesome presence hit me like never before. My whole body seemed paralyzed and my heart began to beat faster; chills ran from my toes to my fingertips and the only part of my body I could move were my eyes. I stood there for what seemed like hours and when I was finally able to move again, I walked back to our campsite with a smile on my face. I could see God’s face in everything around me, the trees, the water, the rocks, the birds, and even my friends. Never had I known how truly beautiful God’s creation was and when I finally arrived home, I had a different view of the world around me. Everything I encountered on a daily basis was more remarkable and significant than ever before. God became the everlasting stronghold of my life and I gave it all to Him. I understood what it was like to be hungry and I no longer felt invincible to the world physically. I had become spiritually invincible to the world, to the devil, to temptation, to fear; I knew that with God backing me up, anything would be possible. I felt so privileged, happy, and extremely tired. I had lived through five days without a shower and a “real” bathroom, without good food and other “necessities” of today’s society. I felt ready to challenge the world. I learned what it was like to live off the land and gained tremendous respect for God’s creation. I realized that I am only one small, yet very important piece to the puzzle of the world.
And now, with my childhood behind me and the future rising over the horizon, I am ready to brave the impossible and live my dreams. I’ll remember that mountaintop experience forever. I know that God is with me and that no matter what may happen, He’ll be there to catch me. It’ll be the start of a new day...a new beginning...the rest of my life. If you'd like to see pictures of the beautiful mountains, please visit my Montana Trip page! |
Whenever the pressures of society bring me down, I imagine that great mountain lake.
It will always be my special place, for there I can be myself; I’m not afraid to
express my opinions or worry about what I look like or do I care what people think.
I am who I am and I praise God for He made me special just like every other creature
on this earth.
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This is Essay Page 2 |
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