Mountain Peaks, Valleys, and Everything In Between

~ The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."~ Marcel Proust

The past 2 weeks have been nothing short of a wild roller coaster ride of emotions, bringing us through deep valleys of sorrow and up to restful mountain tops of reflection.

On the eve of our California trip we had a phone call from one our friends letting us know that a beloved friend had been killed. My husband had had the honor of walking along side of him for 4 years as a discipleship group leader as this young man went through high school years (starting when my husband and I were in college and moving into the beginning of our marriage). He was a very brave 25 year old Marine who volunteered to be stationed in Afganistan and was tragically killed.

In my sheltered life I've never felt as though I had an enemy, much less had to forgive one...especially someone SO HEARTLESS that they would plant something with the sole purpose of taking someone else's life.

Our trip to California allowed for my husband and I to reflect and process this deep loss as we were removed a bit from the "normal day to day" at home. It was as though we were gently lead beside quiet waters to restore our souls.

We savored each and every moment with our boys, my family and my dear friend all the more after this poignant reminder of how precious life is. The time with my family was a beautiful mountain retreat in an otherwise deep valley of emotions and reality. We were given "new eyes" as we entered into this new voyage, causing us to appreciate each precious moment with our loved ones.



A side note: Some of you commented about my grandparent's Japanese tea house and garden and I wanted to follow up with more pictures as well as the history behind this special place. My grandpa served in WW2. He was deeply saddened by what had happened to the Japanese and wanted to created a place that would honor them. This is why he and my grandma have beautifully created a guest house and garden in their honor. (See pictures below of the grounds and house.)



As we returned home we excitedly readied ourselves for part 2 with my mom and grandma's visit to our house. They arrived Wednesday and left this morning. The time with them was a once again served as a beautiful mountain retreat, raising us up a bit from an otherwise sad week. Each day they were here they graciously sent me off on my own for a few hours to help recharge my battery. It was so refreshing!

This morning we had to say goodbye then headed to the memorial service of our dear friend. I think it is safe to say that my husband and I both sank into the valley. This precious time was at a close with my wonderful mom and grandma and it was also time to say our final goodbye to our fallen friend and hero.

The service was incredible. The message was clear. This great guy had put his faith in Jesus and as a result he is able to live forever in heaven with his Lord and Savior. For THAT I praise the Lord! THAT is the HOPE that we have if we chose to follow God in this life! He's now doing MUCH better than all the rest of us as we mourn his loss. Not because he lived a good life and earned his way into heaven. Not because he died bravely serving our country. Only because he made the decision to ask Jesus to forgive him of his sins and enter into his life as his Savior.

As in all military services, they did a roll call of all the service men and women present. When they reached our friend's name there was no answer. They called his name again...and there was complete silence. His absence was SO powerfully missing.

This was heartbreaking. However, it would have been much different if we did not have the faith and hope that he will forever be in God's glorious presence. AND that we will someday be able to stand along side him again...forever.

We are broken and our sorrow is so deep. But in the midst of the depth of this pain is that beautiful hope and peace. We all can have this peace in where we are going when we have breathed our last breath. THAT makes all the difference in how we live this life, and the next.

~"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes my lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me on paths of righteousness for His name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." ~ Psalm 23