Our squad has landed in Nepal for debrief, a time of rest and processing our first month on the Race. Kathmandu is such a vibrant city resting at the feet of the Himalayas. To look out my window and see the peaks of those world-famous mountains each day is a gift.
Mountains hold such spiritual meaning, these ones especially.
In my first year of following God, He sent me on a trip to share His love to small villages. While backpacking in the mountains, we reached our summit and could see the Himalayan range southwest of us, miles away. We sat and stared at them as we ate, in awe that we got to see them in person.
In my second year of following God, I went to India with my university. We visited Dharamsala, a small town in very northern India and current home of the Dalai Lama. That town was settled in the foothills of the Himalayas, putting me that much closer to the mountains. While there, we went hiking and ended up at a beautiful, Himalayan-fed waterfall. As I sat with my feet in the water, I reflected on how thankful I was for this unbelievable opportunity. God was kind enough to bring me back to the Himalayas for the second time in my life, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude.
In my third and current year of following God, He’s brought me back again. As we flew into Nepal, we were delayed due to weather while in the air. Our pilot was forced to fly until we could land, so we circled the Himalayas for an hour. Admittedly, I teared up a bit as I looked at the mountains for the third time in my life.
Each year, God has brought me closer to those sacred mountains. And each year, God has brought me closer to Himself. As someone who loves geography, God speaks to me through the physical world. He has used those mountains to depict our relationship and show how much closer in proximity I’ve grown to Him over the last three years.
Before following God, I hoped to travel and experience culture and make myself a more well-rounded person. The first time I saw the Himalayas, I felt that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and savored the moment. But God is a surprising God. He takes my dreams and gives me better ones. When we give our dreams and hopes to God, He sprints on forward with them, working ahead of us to surprise us with His wonderful gifts. My hopes rarely turn out how I imagine them, but God always surprises me and makes them better than I could have dreamed. I hoped to see a bit of the Himalayas on my first trek, and now He’s brought me back for the third time, to the heart of those breathtaking mountains.
My question for you is this: do you dream with God? Do you give Him your hopes? Or do you hold back, afraid that He won’t listen or care?
God split the sea for His people. He caused the plagues to make His will happen. He sent His only Son to live and die and rise again for us. God will move heaven and earth for His kids. So I implore you, tell God about your dreams. I can guarantee His results will amaze you.
