The scenic route.

There are moments in one's life where everything just turns to a  standstill & for maybe just a few seconds ; all you feel is pure joy. comfort. love. In these moments I feel perfect peace. Everything around me; all the noise that tends to bewilder my mind just stops . It is like a sound proof glass surrounds depths of my brain and protects it  from any thoughts that could come and disrupt the tenderness of a moment that I am having a the present time. Those are the moments that keep me going .

I was driving home from an amazing trip that I had this past weekend. The trip was nothing but good. Personally I do not know how a trip cannot be good when you are surrounded and sharing life with those who have integrated their friendships onto your heart.

Anyway...

I was driving home. 7 hours and in pure exhaustion from the previous nights . I was tired and my mind was wandering back to the reality of my life . I am sure you can relate- vacations over. Reality sets in . Now the bills , the job, the stress , everything that you left prior to your vacation is now just waiting for your arrival at home. It really is a stressful thought . A thought that I am sure hits most people after a getaway. I am driving in unfamiliar territory in the eastern part of PA. stuck behind traffic , semi trucks, smog, and everything else that comes with modern America transportation. . . . and then I look to my left. and I am awe struck.

 

 



That is pretty much what I see (Thank you Penn State University for your picture ;) ) .
As soon as I see the beauty of the Pennsylvania mountains in the distant my mind just stops. The sound of the traffic, construction, the chaos of the road just stops & all I see is beautiful creation. Thankfully my friend I was visiting knew their way around the area and I give them a call - and after that - for the next 1.5 hours I was blessed with driving through the Pennsylvania mountains in peace that surpasses any understanding.

There is something about nature that always brings me to a place of tranquility. When you drive away from the noise of this world into nature. You see one thing. Creation. in its purest , most beautiful form. If you go deep enough you see it untouched by the human race - flowing freely across our vast earth . This my friend - is God's handy work. & this is where God gives me his peace... that surpasses all understanding.

I look in the distance into His creation - I see all that He has created. It's beauty, is astounding, His work is perfection . His creation is massive - and perfect. & I realize this - The God of creation, is the God of humanity & I am awestruck. The same God that paints these skys and constructs these mountains is the same God that has me in the "palm of His hand"  . Holding me . securing me  . guiding me.

( Isaiah 49:16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” )

As I continue to drive - I am at peace- and the peace I feel - is only a peace that is found in Christ alone. I realize once again - That God... He's got this.

^{Philippians 4: 6-7} Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

.
Lastly as I was driving I am reminded of one last scripture ; and I take it home with me never to forget it again...

Matthew 11:28-30

²⁸ “Come to me (God), all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”