“I lift up my eyes up to the hills from whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2
While visiting Mt. Pilatus in Switzerland, we rode a gondola to the top of this incredible mountain. As I looked down upon all the beauty, someone said, “How can anyone deny the existence of God amidst this creation!” I agree. It defies all logic and can only be the product of a loving God.
I couldn’t help but think of Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, and for some unknown reason, the childhood book, Heidi, came to my mind with the vivid pictures of mountains, goats, and fresh air. Ironically, the gift shop downstairs had the book, so I bought it and read anew the story by Johanna Spyri.
The story is of an orphan girl who comes to live with her grandfather on the mountain (Shirley Temple played Heidi in the movie). A crotchety old soul, Heidi wins him over with her love of his mountains, his stories, and his ways. She thrives in this setting with fresh air, sunshine, friends, and love. Her happiness and joy leads the father of an ailing child to seek Heidi out to be his daughter’s companion. He moves her to the city away from her strength, her help, the mountains, and she begins to die a little each day from homesickness even while lifting the spirits of his daughter with tales of her life in the mountains.
The father has compassion for Heidi and transports her back to her mountain home where she regains her strength. Klara, the sick child, comes to visit, she is cured and walks again. A simple, childlike, feel good ending, but it is so possible with God.
Many times through circumstances or by my own hand, I find myself homesick for scripture, prayer, bible study, Christian friends, and so many other things. When this happens, I find myself ailing and need to return to the strength they provide. God has compassion for my situation, and always sends the help I need. God’s word is the greatest healing force and help on earth! We only need to read it, believe it, stand on it, and practice it!
“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Sir Edmund Hillary
I’m sure glad you got to see some of Switzerland. I really don’t think there is a more beautiful country in the world and so thankful we had the experience of living there. Would love to hear more about your trip❣️