Thursday, July 05, 2012

Beauty: Mountains and Rain

What a week it was last week for our beloved Colorado Springs ~ and for so many who live here as well. We were on our way here and wondered if we should wait in Kansas City for another day or two or more? Or come ahead?

We did come ahead and arrived after the worst of the Waldo Canyon Fire. Of course, it is still burning and likely will be for another couple of weeks. My heart goes out to those who were here during the worst. To those who evacuated, to those who lost. I was praying that God would spare a place very dear to me - Glen Eyrie - which He did by His grace and mercy alone. It is a miracle that the Glen is still standing.

Anyway, as we were approaching Colorado Springs on I-70 about two hours away still, we smelled smoke for the first time. And at the same time, rain drops began to splash on our windshield. We praised God and prayed that it would be raining two hours away as well.

An hour away, the clouds still looked like it could be raining and we prayed and praised again.


I don't think I had allowed myself to imagine what we'd see as we pulled into town. Would we even be able to see the outline of the mountains or would it be covered in smoke? I think both my Dad and I were surprised you could see the majestic beauty miles out - though smoke was definitely there too. I had to pull over and take a few pictures just at the east edge of town.


In the wake of so much loss, we look for ways to help and reach out to others. And as we were encouraged in church Sunday, to "listen to their stories."

My parents home was not evacuated and thankfully we are all safe. So many others have lost so much though.

A couple of days after arriving, we went to Goodwill and while in there I heard something that sounded like rain. Shortly after that, a cashier came on the speaker system and announced that if anyone had their car windows down they were going to have wet seats because it was raining and hallelujah! The store broke out in cheers and applause - that was beauty in the midst of ashes.

Psalm 104:31-33 {shared at church Sunday morning}
 "May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works - He who looks at the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

4 comments:

Catherine said...

Such a hard time - so hard to see all the heartache. Bushfires are so devastating.

Thinking of you all!

Anonymous said...

I have been praying for your parents...hoping they were okay, and didn't have to leave their home. Good to hear, but it really is so sad how many others had to evacuate. Give your parents my best! :)

Mom said...

Great perspective on the difficult days that Colorado Springs experienced just last week. We've had a vivid reminder of what is truly important -- it isn't "stuff". We are grieving with those who have lost so much, but thankful to be safe and that you and the littles are now here with us.
Love you, Mom

PS: Hi, Hayley -- thanks for your thoughts and prayers! :)

Karen said...

Oh! I'm so glad for the rain! I was just out west myself (Sedona, AZ and then drove back to Ohio via NM and Rte. 66!). Along Rt. 40, we could see the smoke from Payson (spelling), AZ and it left me praying for rain for all out there. Glad your parent's place is safe.