Thin Air
My husband and I just returned home from a week’s vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and what a wonderful time we had! First of all, we were surrounded by God’s beautiful creation everywhere we looked—magnificent mountains, rushing streams, abundant wildlife. It was so easy to praise God every waking moment and remember His awesome majesty and power.
Second, I got to do one of my favorite activities every day—hiking in the woods. The scenery was refreshingly different from the familiar forests and beaches here in Michigan where I walk every day. There were mountains everywhere I looked!
But best of all, we were able to spend time with one of our sons, our daughter, our son-in-law, and our grandbaby on this vacation. We shared a family cabin together and were able to relax and talk and eat and hike every day.
I had been hard at work on my newest book before this vacation, and I admit I was feeling a little stuck. My brain felt like it was filled with molasses, and the words and ideas just weren’t coming. I needed a break and a change of scene. Maybe some new inspiration. Thankfully, I got all of those things—and something more.
On our first day of hiking, I found myself huffing and puffing after about five minutes of walking. I thought I was in pretty good shape—what was wrong with me? The answer, of course, was “thin air.” Our cabin was located at an elevation of 8,000 feet and we hiked even higher than that every day. Someone explained to me that oxygen is 45% less dense at that altitude, which explains why I was gasping! Things that were easy to do back home became a lot harder in such thin air.
As I thought about that fact, I realized why my writing hadn’t been going so well. Scripture sometimes compares the Holy Spirit to air or wind. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power from on high when the Spirit came, and indeed, they were transformed when the rushing wind from heaven blew on the Day of Pentecost and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. We all need the Holy Spirit’s power to accomplish the work God gives us to do. But I sometimes forget that, and I try to write on “thin air,” relying on my own experience and knowledge instead of on the Spirit’s inspiration. No wonder I huff and puff!
My prayer, as I return to my desk and my work-in-progress this week is summed up in one of my favorite choruses: “Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me . . .”
How’s the air where you’re serving our Creator?
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We just visited Colorado for the first time earlier this month. What spectacular views! Our daughters live in Co. Springs and while we were there we visited Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, and took the cog train to the top of Pike’s Peak.
That’s a beautiful area, too. I’ll bet you had a great time.
I just want to thank you for the inspiration I received while reading your book Pilgrimage. I related to every page. I have been struggling with my spiritual walk for a while. I lost my “pastor” husband and found it so hard to pray and stay close to God because he was so much my spiritual leader and encourager daily.
I found your book so refreshing and having trooped through Israel a number of times while on archaeology digs in the Soreck Valley at Timnah and being so close the the places Jesus was while Gary was in Seminary.
I am so glad that the Lord spoke to me through your book. I have read all that you have written that I can get through my local library. Unfortunately small churches don’t plan any retirement for their “servants” so I am on a limited income. Thank you again and look forward to all your hard work and the result of new books.
Blessings,
Linda Goad
Hi Linda, I’m so glad that “Pilgrimage” was a blessing to you. And I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I think I was on an archaeological dig with him once. My son and I volunteered at Timnah one summer and I remember a wonderful gentleman named Gary Goad. He was a blessing to all of us. I’m sure he is missed! Lynn
Several years ago my hubby and I drove down to Colorado [from Ontario, Canada] in early May. We drove into spring. It was a beautiful trip. We loved the mountains and camped [tent camping] at Long’s Peak for a few days. There was still snow in patches under the evergreens, but we loved it. Thanks for your post. You are right, I often find myself running on thin air because I get “too busy” to pray properly. my arrow prayers are not enough. Thanks for that great metaphor. 🙂 I look forward to your new book [ie the WIP]
We hiked in the Long’s Peak area. Such a beautiful place!
I’ve experienced that thin air phenomenon too, Lynn. But oh, I love the analogy you made! And now that song is going through my mind too…a lovely prayer: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me…
Breathe deeply, Deborah!
Thanks for such an inspirational post! My husband became a pastor late in life and retired two years ago. You reminded me of one of his children’s talks when he was explaining the Holy Spirit. He asked how we can know the Holy Spirit is real when you can’t see it. A six year old boy piped up, “You can’t see the wind, but we know it’s real.” Out of the mouths of babes!
Your trip sounds amazing – thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures of God’s glory.
Great story, Betty! Thanks for sharing it.