Skip to main content

Volcan Arenal

Towering at a whopping 5,437 feet, this majestic volcano is one of five in Costa Rica. The powerful landmark gazes over pastured green hillsides surrounding its base. Although currently in a resting phase, Arenal remained the country’s most active volcano for 43 years. History tells of its infamous eruptions, both major and minor, affecting the region and people.

Hiking this mountain with my Costa Rican sister and Mama proved to be quite the adventure as we were greeted with a refreshing downpour, a visit from a friendly eagle, volcanic rocks to stumble over, and a view which took our breath away with each pause to survey our progress. Sharing glances with my family showed me a reflection of my own smile in the lovely faces of Vivi and Mama Lilly.
Countless places of natural wonders fill the pages of calenders, decorate the homes of many, inspire the artist, and invite the individual to enjoy the wonder of God's creation. Yet I believe it does not stop with the image of nature itself. Something else happens when one encounters these glorious scenes, something wonderful. When engulfed in the pure nature of God's masterpiece an unspeakable joy seems to erupt from one's being. The faces of those enjoying the beautiful scene appear to shine brightly with an unmatchable beauty, as though God Himself has opened a small part of heaven to smile down upon His precious child. Genesis 1:26 tells us we were made in the image of God. In these moments, I believe we reflect this image, bring our Father and creator glory and joy. In the same way a father who builds a tree house for his children smiles once completed, viewing the happy faces and listening to the squeals of delight as his children play, enjoying the gift of their father, so our Lord smiles when we enjoy His creation.
The next time you find yourself sharing a view with friends or family, take a moment to glimpse the beauty reflected in the faces of those around you, knowing you are receiving a very special glimpse of the Father who delights in you.
All my love,
Gennavieve

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hampton Court Palace

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bits and Pieces

Being in Costa Rica shows me how little Spanish I know. I often feel like a child learning to walk when I attempt to speak. I step out with new conversation and then one word and I am on my bum, starting over. It can be extremely frustrating to speak because I want to connect to others but my words limit me. My family helps in incredible ways. Vivi continually points to things in the house, or on the table, whose names I learned and makes me repeat them to her. My family continually shows me patience, grace, and kindness, including me as much as they can. Yet every day possesses challenges because basic conversation takes a great deal of effort. I understand bits and pieces of what I hear, but I miss the quick sayings, specific details, and most jokes. From my perspective, the bits I do pick up make me laugh because I have yet to connect the dots of conversation. For example, on Sunday my family joined another family for late afternoon coffee conversation. The conversation dri...
Post a Comment
Read more

Home Sweet Home

I'm home at last. This is my smiling face hugging my Dad as I stepped off of the plane after 30 plus hours of traveling. I was huddled in a blanket, remembering the chill of a Northern California winter as I now cover my African sun kissed arms from the 42 F air. But it feels like Holidays and the warmth of love and laughter from family and friends fills my heart and I am happy. May the Holiday season bring you reason to celebrate the wonderful gifts in your life. May you praise the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, knowing that He has offered the best gift of all, salvation and life everlasting in His name. All My Love, Gennavieve
1 comment
Read more