Wonder and Awe
Mountains inspire wonder and awe in me. Every year I usually see mountains during the family vacations to national parks, and last year we went to North Carolina. Towards the end of the trip, my cousin, my father, and I went to on a three day backpacking trip through the Pisgah Mountain Range. The massive mounds of rock and dirt rise above the valley floor like massive natural skyscrapers. The mountains loom over everyone below them like guardians watching over their people. The mountain range holds significant value in the history of the U.S. The mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range that divided the early settlers from the rest of North America. Included in the Pisgah Mountains is a mountain with its own famous movie and book for events happening on or near that location, Cold Mountain.
Cold Mountain
The mountains that we hiked up and down inspired wonder inside of me. The mountains were so big and made me feel like a humble midget when walking between them. The commanding presence of the mountains created made me feel sheltered from everything around me and safe from the outside world. The greatest feeling is summiting the mountains. Reaching the top of a mountain is hard work but the experience at the top cannot be forgotten. The quietness of the summits shocks me every time I reach the top. The absence of cars, trains, and the noise of people conveys the perfect time to reflect and clear one’s mind. At the top I could see for miles and could just sit, observing animals and people below me like a sentry. On top of the mountains with the jaw-dropping views I feel closer to God then I do anywhere else. Those feelings of closeness to God causes the most wonder and awe in me.
Looking Glass Mountain
Brian Lickenbrock
blbrock92@yahoo.com