A Fresh View:

This past weekend I had the chance to run what is called a Ragnar.  A team foot race that stretches from Logan to Park City (a total of 198 miles, in case you're wondering.)  Each team is made up of twelve runners who run approximately 14-24 miles a piece. These miles are broken up into sections called "legs" that the runner runs.  Each runner has three different legs that he/she runs at various points during the race.  I had the wonderful opportunity to be runner six and run my first leg over the peak of the mountain down into the valley where Snowbasin Resort is located (only, on the other side of the valley.)

The view was magnificent, to say the least.  Looking out across the valley at the opposing mountain sides was incredible.  The sun was high in the sky on a nearly cloudless day, which lit up the entire valley in its peak of grandeur . They seemed all too mighty with their humongous, grey stone fronts ---and yet very welcoming and gentle with the green that covered the rest of the mountain and down into the valley.  In a very cliche way, the mountains almost seemed like the sentinels for the calm city down below, guarding and keeping watch.  It's a good thing I was trying to get a good time, or I might have stayed to just look at the view.

It made me think about God's infinite love for His children.  He was the grand architect for this extraordinary valley that I entered and the sentry mountains that surrounded it ---and yet, He considers His children His greatest creation.  He created the mighty mountain, the beautiful valley, the sheltering cloud, the cool rain, the warming sun, and everything in between for us.  Everything He does is for us. As if for some reason we were worth doing everything for.  Sometimes it can feel like a lot to live up to.  But even when we don't, He loves us as if we did.  He truly is the perfect example of a loving and caring father.

Needless to say, Ragnar gave me a fresh view about how much God loves us.  I don't know why it took me panting and exerting as much energy as I could to realize that.  I truly am thankful for all He does for me.