I love the mountains. I always have and I can't ever imagine having that change. There is something so majestic and beautiful about those towering spires of rock, covered with snow and trees that inspires me. I am not the only one at our house that loves the mountains. Chad also loves the mountains, and being raised at the base of the foothills, they call out regularly to him. It is a predictable phenomenon, that when we see the mountains coming into view that it is as though they begin to call and beckon to us. For Chad this pull is stronger than it is for me, but I feel it as well.
A short time ago we decided to go up into Cardston. The weather was quite snowy, but it was beautiful up there. Before we knew it, we found ourselves turning west rather than east, for a visit into the majestic peaks of Waterton National Park. It was lovely and peaceful, a delightful way to enhance a lovely day together.
The roads were snow covered and icy and the sky was covered with clouds making it feel cozy and intimate. While I don't like being on poor roads at the best of times, I LOVED the beauty of the snow reflecting off the mountains, and the pure whiteness of everything.
I don't thing I have ever before seen Cameron Falls frozen - at least not in person. As you can see, the waterfall doesn't look much like itself, but the icicles were lovely and enchanting.
My footwear was not exactly designed for outdoor activities in snow, so we didn't do a lot of walking around. I took a picture of Chad in front of the waterfall and then he took on of me (which mysteriously disappeared off the ipad!) I promise - I didn't delete it!!!
As you can see from the footprints in the snow, we weren't the only ones to appreciate the frozen waterfall that day in the new snow. The sun shining through the clouds was breath taking. I am so glad that we made the effort to enjoy the spectacular winter vista of the day.
We even saw a herd of deer bedded down under the large coniferous trees in the town site. It was pretty cool!
As we left Waterton, the sun came out from behind the clouds. The skies were clearing, and the snows were left behind. It was the perfect benediction to a beautifully spiritual day. We even returned home in time to spend some cherished time together as a family before bed time.
I am so thankful for the wonders of nature, in all the seasons. I am not a big fan of winter, but I don't think I would ever trade away the beauty of that frozen season for any other season of the year. To me winter balances summer as fall balances spring. Winter helps me appreciate summer just as summer helps me appreciate winter.
The Lord has taught us that there must be opposition in ALL things. I know that the sometimes harsh cold of winter helps me appreciate the melting warmth of summer much more powerfully than I could had I never experienced cold temperatures. To me winter symbolizes trials and adversity, but I am overjoyed by the knowledge that spring will ALWAYS follow! (That's my favorite season of all!) I must admit, that even the extremes of summer can remind me of hardships, for I don't like extreme temperatures either in the red or the blue! Even in those extremes there are delights and joys that speak to my soul. Summer - even on intensely hot days - thrills my heart with the vibrant colors of flowers dancing in the breeze, the singing birds, and the fluttering butterfly. There is joy and happiness aplenty at times such as these. Winter - as a frozen wasteland - holds my heart fascinated by the glittering snow, frozen icicles that decorate waterways and majestic hoarfrost of foggy mornings. Yes, if summer and winter in their extremes depict trial, there is without doubt, joy to be found even in those moments. I am so grateful for the opposites I have experienced (either personally or through others) that enrich my understanding of the many, many blessings that my Father in Heaven has blessed me with. My heart is filled to overflowing as I contemplate the richness of His love for me and ALL mankind.
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