From the Flood to the Foothills

Yesterday Carl and I made it to Denver, Colorado — the “Mile High City”. Denver sits exactly one mile (5,280 feet) above sea level – hence the nickname.

Yes, the altitude is high, the mountains are tall, and the landscapes shout the greatness of our God. AND, bonus, this is where our dear Austin friends invited us to share this magnificent location with them in their Denver home for a few days.

AND, bonus, this is where our dear Austin friends, former Austin Mayor Ron Mullen and his talented wife, Lynnda, a brilliant and creative interior designer, completely renovated a home into a masterpiece — in a magnfiicent location. What a joy to be here where God’s and Lynnda’s creation shine!

I find myself in a strange place. One foot in sorrow for what happened and is still happening back home in Texas — the other in awe of the beauty here — that is serene, and where God’s fingerprints surround us.

It’s hard to reconcile the two — floodwaters that swallowed life and laughter… and peaceful mountain streams that whisper serenity.

But maybe that’s part of what it means to walk with God. We hold the pain and the peace in the same hands.

Because the same God who carved the mountains and the valleys also catches every tear.

From the wildflowers tucked in rocky crevices to the vast stretches of sky that seem to go on forever — I can’t help but think of Psalm 121:1-2:
“I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Oh, He’s big. Really big.
And He’s near. Really near.
Even in the flood.
Even in the questions.

Even in the joy of a flight to Denver with my love and a bag of snacks that we probably shouldn’t have brought. And, especially the comfort of Texans – like us who will mourn and praise God for Whom all blessings flow.

God is in it all.

I’ll be breathing mountain air deeply this week, but I haven’t forgotten home. Not for a second. Our prayers continue — for healing, for peace, for miracles.

So, as we take in the majesty of God’s creation, I’ll be thanking Him — not just for what my eyes can see, but for what I know in my soul:
God is with us — in every valley, on every mountaintop, and through every storm.

From floodwaters to foothills, God is with us in it all. Holding joy and sorrow, awe and ache — and breathing in His goodness every mile of the way.