Moving to Lynchburg from Rhode Island, my family traded in the ocean views for the mountain views. We have enjoyed those moments every so often around town when you can get a quick, yet stunning, glimpse of the mountains. They pop out from between the trees or you notice them as you turn off the highway. Certain spots on campus give you the perfect view of Sharp Top Mountain.<\/p>\n
Recently, my son and I were driving around Lynchburg and we ventured down a road on which we had never traveled. As our car slowly made its way up a massive hill and reached the top, we were overcome with a majestic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the back seat, my son exclaimed \u201cThat\u2019s epic.\u201d Ok, he\u2019s only two, so he actually said, \u201cWoah, look at all those mountains, Dada.\u201d I\u2019m pretty sure I kept saying, \u201cThis is amazing.\u201d But, he was right, it was epic. In that instant, that road became my favorite in Lynchburg.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s something about ocean and mountain views that stirs up a sense of awe within me. They make me pause, they slow me down, they calm me, they force me to be present, they remind me that next to their vastness I am so small, and when I\u2019m driving around town, they can get me to start veering off the road.<\/p>\n
Studies have shown that looking at a tree for a few minutes can drastically lower your blood pressure and relieve anxiety. Although I don\u2019t have a similar study, I think the same can be said for looking at a mountain range or the vast ocean. Somehow looking at such a sight can settle you, remind you of your foundation, or simply cause you to pause and say, \u201cWow.\u201d Some people argue that little word, \u201cwow,\u201d is the simplest prayer.<\/p>\n
And I have to agree. It\u2019s acknowledging the beauty and awe inspiring view of the Creator\u2019s creations. That is prayer.<\/p>\n
May you glimpse something majestically epic today. <\/em><\/p>\n May the beauty of the Creator\u2019s creations bring you peace. <\/em><\/p>\n And may you, with gratitude and awe, pray.<\/em><\/p>\n Nathan<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Moving to Lynchburg from Rhode Island, my family traded in the ocean views for the mountain views. We have enjoyed those moments every so often around town when you can get a quick, yet stunning, glimpse of the mountains. They …<\/p>\n