birthday altar

Mountain Top Altar

As my birthday drew near all I could think about was retreating to the mountains of NC for rest and renewal. It was not an easy exodus, with last minute car repairs, children to leave, work to complete and a later than normal escape. Eventually we left, my soul exhaled, and we were on our way. When I got here, I realized that it is in this special place that I come to build little altars, just like Abraham did. He would retreat to the mountains, pitch a tent, build an altar and give thanks. I might not have to pitch a tent, in fact I have a very comfy bed up here, but it’s in this place that I have the time and space to slow down, breathe and remember who God is and His faithfulness within my full and messy life.

To give thanks.

Thanks for my children, family, friends. Thanks for a love that surrounds me, health, food, shelter, and community. Provision. Thanks to a loving powerful God who never forgets that I am here on this earth and promises His presence always, no matter where I am, or what I am doing, His love, grace and mercy know where I am and what I need. Always. Faithful.

Yes, My altar is built.

With the building of altars comes the celebration of being together,  Me and God, Me and those I love.  The celebration consists of long hikes, great food (Michael cooked), music, laughter, movies, sleep, bed parties where we all read, share and nest together. There is also the quiet white space that is born from having nothing pressing (aka, Homework, laundry, dinner, yard work, clients…)
Space to think, ponder, to say, “Oh. There you are”, to my soul. To get reacquainted and listen to what she needs.

At times it can be difficult to build an altar while slaying the dragons in my everyday life, so retreating to the mountains, just like old Abraham and building this altar was the best present this Birthday Girl could ever get! To be present, was the present, to see that it is not only good, but well with my soul.

Bring on the dragons, I am ready for a new year.