Breaking tradition this year, the family gathered in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. An early morning outing led a small group of us toward the peak of Clingmans Dome, 6643 feet above sea level. After parking our vehicle, we hiked the final half mile to the observation tower. I paused often to catch my breath in the higher altitude, and to survey the lush plant and animal life. The National Park Service reports that over 17,000 species have been documented in the park, with the possibly of another 30,000 to 80,000 species yet to be cataloged. Though the view from the top was limited, there was a mysterious beauty to the evergreen trees visible through the smoky fog.
As I think about vacations past, the words of Psalm 139 come to mind: "Lord, you have searched me out; O Lord, you have known me... Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I climb up to heaven, you are there; if I make the grave my bed, you are there also. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me and your right hand hold me fast" (vv. 1, 7-9).
Whether we're on the beach or at the bottom of the ocean, whether we're in the deepest canyon or on the highest peak, whether we're in the rain forest or on the prairie, whether we're away or at home, whether we're working or resting, God's people can trust that the Creator who marvelously made us and wonderfully works in us is leading us and holding us.
