Grace is the gift of looking back and seeing beauty in life.

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“But God’s kindness made me what I am, and that kindness was not wasted on me. Instead, I worked harder than all the others. It was not I who did it, but God’s kindness was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 God’s Word to the Nations

I took this panorama after climbing Mount Sherman, one of Colorado’s 53 mountains over 14,000 ft in elevation. Turning around, I had to see what we had climbed. We had decided to park our car at the old Leavick Mill site instead of the gate near the Dauntless Mine which added 5.5 extra miles to the hike. Even though I was exhausted, and my eyes were a bit blurry, the look back was spectacular.

Mt. Sherman, Colorado

It’s easy to see life in segments and forget the big picture. We look back over the past and we get caught up in the times of struggle and pain, as if those moments define our entire life. Yes, those times of struggle are a part of who we are, but they are not the whole picture. We cannot forget those moments of grace.

On Mount Sherman there were times of beautiful vistas and times of exhaustion; times I wanted to keep climbing and times I wanted to turn back; times when I was accompanied by my sons and times when I was alone; times of joy and times of pain.

We continue to climb the mountain on which God has placed us. There will be times when we want to stop climbing and others where we can’t wait to see what’s coming next, yet no matter where we are on the journey, God fills the climb with his grace.

Don’t forget to see the big picture!

Copyright Douglas P Brauner