Gary and I had a day to explore an unfamiliar, yet popular mountain town. The cool breeze touched our faces, which felt like a refreshing break from the heat in Littleton. As we explored the little village, we came upon a gondola which skiers use throughout the winter to lift them to new heights for snow excursions. During the summer, however, the gondola remains open taking summer visitors to the top of the mountain to view striking peaks, enjoy outdoor hikes, and discover the beauty of the terrain. We decided to ride the Eagle Bahn Gondola to the top of Vail Mountain.
Gondola – an enclosed compartment on a suspended ski lift. The opportunity to see the beauty around one’s self from a fresh perspective.
The glass sides of the metal box offered the ability to take in breathtaking views of the Colorado mountains. As we rose into the sky, I saw pine trees and aspens, winding mountain roads, numerous mountain peaks (some with snow), beautiful flowers of purple, orange, and white, and billowy white clouds. The views stunned me as the gondola whisked us up above 10,000ft.
I noticed the people at the base of the mountain became smaller as I embraced the expanse of the atmosphere. The higher the gondola rose up the mountain, the broader my perspective. I saw so much more than I could fathom while standing at the foot of the mountain peak. God drew my soul into wonder and awe at His vast creation and presence. My viewpoint pivoted during the gondola ride.
The panorama before me shouted of the glory and grandeur of God. As I pondered the issues of my daily life, God enlarged my capacity to “see” differently. Those at the mountain base seemed small in comparison to the spacious outlook atop the peak. I recognized God’s gentle nudge, offering me fresh insights and a renewed outlook towards the things of life. God lifted my gaze as I traveled on the gondola. I viewed reality differently.
You may not be able to ride a gondola, but might you notice a nudge from God to lift your gaze to Him? Is it time to release life’s issues at the foot of the mountain to embrace a fresh outlook with God? What beauty do you see? How does God invite you to look up and out, rather than down and in?
Numerous biblical stories demonstrate this shifting of perspective. God lifted the apostle Peter’s gaze with a vision of unclean animals (Acts 10:9-16). After Paul encountered God, his viewpoint pivoted from the persecution of Jesus followers to proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Acts 9). Hagar fled Sarai’s mistreatment in despair, but returned strengthened after God adjusted her focus (Genesis 16). Gideon questioned God’s provision and protection, but God altered Gideon’s way of thinking and refocused his attention (Judges 6-8). Lydia embraced an expanded perspective upon belief in Jesus Christ and supported Gospel movement in the ancient world (Acts 16). Scripture overflows with examples of saints in history who “rode” the gondola with God and experienced refreshed and restored glimpses towards reality.
On the gondola God invited me to let go of that which weighs me down. I got a glimpse of the reality that God is greater than my biggest challenge. God’s gaze reflects His glory and my good. Was I willing to release and rest in His care? Could I trust God’s greatness to address my concerns? Would I allow God to shift my perspective, inviting me to live with beauty, hope, and peace in His presence? By God’s grace and in His strength, my soul declared, “Yes!”
What about you? Join me in declaring, “Yes” to God’s gaze. Release and rest in God’s care. Trust God’s greatness. Receive God’s invitation to live in beauty, hope, and peace. With God’s grace and in His strength, let your soul say, “Yes!”
Ready to Gaze with God?
Read Revelation 1-5 – Wonder about John’s experience of gazing with God at reality. What fresh insights do you notice from these five chapters? How might you apply this reading to your life?
Draw a picture of a mountain. At the base of the mountain list some of your life issues and worries. At the top of the mountain write: “God’s gaze.” Ask God to pivot your perspective regarding the issues at the bottom of the mountain. Look up and out. Rest in the grandeur of God.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore. Psalm 121
Ride the Gondola with God 😊 🚠
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Daniel 4:34 – At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
Acts 7:55-56 – But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Clyde E. Nichols. Lift Up Your Eyes: Devotions for Every Day of the Year. 2011.
Matthew W. Halboch. They Saw Through God’s Eyes: An Invitation from Mary and the Saints. Frederick, MD. 2022.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
The Worship Initiative. The Greatness of Our God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAKR1_WQcvo
Bebo Norman. I Lift My Eyes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te0hy2YcLgg
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
July 26-August 5 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
August 6-9 – Denver Seminary – Supervision of Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort