To celebrate this joyous occasion, I went on a hike with three of my favorite people. Our destination: Firebrand Pass and the summit of Calf Robe Mountain in Glacier National Park.While on the trail, I kept snapping photos of the fantastic scenery brilliantly painted by the colors of fall.
Burgundy.
Orange.
Red.
Maroon.
Yellow.
Copper.
Pink.
Gold.
Brown.
Green.
More than once, I found myself stooped low to the ground, captivated by the brilliant colors before me.
During those "down to earth" moments of photographic genius, I was missing something.
The Bigger Picture.
All too often in life, I forget The Bigger Picture.
My heart gets stuck on one confusing verse in the Bible.
My mind focuses on one story, therefore sending me spiraling by the gravity of cheap grace.
My heart gets wrapped around one sentence of wrath.
My feelings flare up during debates about differing doctrines loosely defended by one passage.
My relationship with Jesus becomes hostile while turning Good News into my own Levitical Law.
You've been there too?
What happens when we consider The Bigger Picture?
Take some time to survey the entire scope of Scripture; Genesis through Revelation, Law and Gospel, Creation to Christ's Return, and every nugget of necessary truth in between. Take a look at the Triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Marvel at the redemptive story that started with Adam and Eve and continues today. Stand in awe of the magnitude of your Creator while living and breathing in His Creation.
Back to that hike ...
Down on one knee looking intently at the details, I was forgetting what was above, beyond, bigger, better. My eyes were focused on something great, but there was something greater to see.
 |
| James, Jenny, and Emily hiking ahead. |
To my right, the endless view made me believe I could actually see North Dakota.
To my left, the colors covered the slopes rising to the ridge of Calf Robe Mountain.
Straight ahead, the trail traversed the mountain and carried us above treeline.
Straight behind, the aspen groves poked their yellow faces through the pine tree forest.
The Bigger Picture is a more enticing view.
Life is busy. Our tendency is to focus on what we can see here and now. The nastiness of our sin is easier to see than the beauty of forgiveness freely offered from Christ. Stress is often avoided when stepping back to consider the surrounding circumstances. Worry walks away when we take time to stop.
While the details may capture our attention, for good or bad, there is always more.
If you're stuck in sin, start looking at your Savior.
When you're happy as a kite in the sky, be aware of the dangers looming close by.
As life seems to sink in all around you, remember the many times a lifeboat has been thrown just in time.
The Bigger Picture brings us back to reality.
The Bigger Picture shows us where we are going.
The Bigger Picture includes more than just me, myself and I.
The Bigger Picture is created by our God, for our God's glory.
Now the view from the mountain top, that's a whole different story.
Goog one.
ReplyDeleteI mean "Good one" :)
ReplyDeleteGoog one.
ReplyDelete