I see so much beauty in these photos. Beauty in Abba's creation, beauty in His design for marriage, beauty in wandering through wilderness with my love. The photos remind me of memories.
...and then, a feeling emerges as I see these photographs. This trip started out very sour...
As we arrived in Yosemite, late one evening, we pulled into Camp 4. Our go-to Valley campground. Space was limited and so we shared a site with fellow campers. These fellow campers didn't have the same idea of sleep as we did - instead music blared, and the smell of smoke (not campfire) filled our tent. Well, tomorrow will be a better day. Tomorrow, we begin our trek up Half Dome. Cables down, climbing gear in hand, here we go.
Morning comes, things are packed, when I soon realize, "Richard, I think I left my hiking shoes at home." Home is no easy drive... should we trek upward anyways? Or call it quits?
After a sour attitude, a little pouting, these moccasins will do. Let's go.
Gaining elevation with each step. These hikes provide a peace of mind where thoughts can race free. The mountains provide a time of reflection - oh, how I love following this man. Oh the new mercies that our Abba gives. Mercies of a patient husband, a caring husband, and an encouraging husband.
This is a blurry, imperfect photo. It reminds me of the blurry imperfect trip.
After a long slow, hiking day, we made it to Sub-dome's valley - Little Yosemite Valley. Just look at this beautiful sunset that closed our day.
Sun peaked through the trees, shining down on sub-dome. A new morning. With hurting feet and disappointed hearts, we headed back down the 6,000 feet of elevation. Back to the valley floor. If only I had remembered my hiking shoes...
Richard gave me a small branch. Often, he gives me a token from our trips and we talk about it as we hike. Today, we talked about how this small branch is part of a much bigger, living tree.
Back down on the valley floor, a fresh fog coats the meadows. We expected to summit half dome but instead discovered mercy. Mercy from a kind Abba, our living tree, who cares about us, the tiny branches.
Life is not always full of glamorous adventures, scenic photos, and breath-taking views. But, my life is filled to the brim with love from our Father who causes my heart to beat and my lungs to take in oxygen. He gives us mercy.