I am the typical Colorado girl, although I have not lived in that state for over three years. I grew up in the shadow of the great Rocky Mountains. Whenever life became overwhelming and I needed an escape, I withdrew to their “purple mountain majesties.”
Although I am truly grateful for my journey out of Colorado, led by the Lord, bringing me to the east coast, there are moments when I miss walking amidst the great majesty of those mountains so close to my former home.
Fortunately, living in South Carolina does give me an opportunity to visit the Appalachian Mountains; it just takes a little longer and requires a bit more effort to reach them than the easily accessible Rocky Mountains. When the Gospel reading described the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on top of a mountain, God called me to the top of the Appalachians.
When I embarked on my four-hour drive, the day was calm and the sun was high in the sky. I allowed the peace of Christ to envelop my soul, but as the road approached the higher elevations of the mountains, the clouds rolled in and the rain began to fall. At one point, the fog engulfed me, rendering me incapable of seeing mere feet in front of my car.
I let my fears get the best of me and wondered if this journey was a mistake, but Jesus Christ remained with me through it all, simply sitting in the passenger seat next to me. Somehow, in an instant of clarity, the skies parted and Jesus opened up the walls of the fog to reveal His world to me. We had reached the top of the mountain incline, and the valley below the mountain tops was laid out before my eyes.
I wondered whether this might have been how the disciples felt when they traveled with Jesus to witness His transfiguration. Below the mountain, they could see chaos, storms and trial, but above the mountain they could hear the Lord speaking simple but significant words.
“This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.”
~ Mark 9:7
I have walked many roads with the Lord, and He has shown many wonders to me. Each time He has given me new insight and brought me closer to His purpose for my life. The past few months have seemed different though: all His teachings prior to this point in time have been bringing me to a certain moment.
That night in my hotel, I relaxed by watching the movie Mary Poppins Returns. The movie was released in 2018, but I was somewhat apprehensive about watching it because I grew up with the original Julie Andrews version, and the idea of her not reprising her role caused me some speculation. Little did I know this was just God’s way of making sure I watched the film at the “practically perfect” moment to receive the message He wished to convey to me.
Mary Poppins was a character I always admired and hoped to be like. I was lucky enough to play the role of Mary Poppins in a musical back when I was in middle school. I remember feeling how easy it had been to play this part, perhaps because I felt such a strong connection to whom Mary Poppins really is.
Mary Poppins goes wherever the winds take her, and she only stays in one place as long as she is needed. There is an element of romance in this notion; she has the ability to make a monumental difference in people’s lives, but is never really able to create a life of her own.
Her life was meant to help others, just as the disciples’ lives were intended to enlighten others. They listened to Jesus and He told them to “Go.” It must have been hard for them at times, laying down their dreams and aspirations to follow Jesus, but they did this willingly because they trusted in God’s plan completely.
At this point in my life, I am experiencing moments of intense sorrow, as several of my friends are finding their future spouses and starting families. Not having found anyone to share my burdens and blessings can be indescribably painful.
But then Jesus Christ takes my hand and draws me to His mountain, reminding me of what I am really here for in this world. My life is His; I gave it to Him willingly. Watching the story of Mary Poppins again showed me a perfect example of how wonderful and miraculous a life devoted to others can be.
Just like Mary Poppins, my life is a journey blown by the wind, going wherever the Holy Spirit carries me.
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Originally published at Kitty in the City.
Photo: Rohit Tandon, Unsplash / PD-US
