I have always loved the mountains. Precious memories still linger from the two years my family lived near the peak of a mountain many years ago. I have loved the various trips we have taken across our nation when we would spend several days high in the mountains.

They are fresh with new life in Spring. Wild flowers burst forth from the earth in brilliant color and the grass is a bright green underneath them. Trees that appear to be growing out of the side of the mountain claim their new spring leaves. And then Fall brings breathtaking orange and gold hues when those same trees turn ablaze in color for all the world to see.

Many days, also, we have spent along the coasts of our country. I marveled at the mighty power of God as I observed the endless procession of waves sweeping over the beach again and again. Yet, I always longed for those towering mountain peaks where God's presence is so real. Thank you, Lord, for those times here on earth.

But, more than that, I yearn for the day when we can, with John of Revelation, look from a great, high mountain and see that wondrous city, the Holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God. What an awesome experience that will be.