mountaintop experiences

More than usual, this has been a whirlwind summer for me. From vacation to synod assembly to Confirmation Camp at Lutherlyn to VBS to the Youth Gathering in New Orleans to another vacation, it's been one mountaintop experience after another. And while I'm grateful for the relative calm that August will bring with a return to regular schedules and rhythms, it will also be a challenge to transition from the excitement and intentional community and new experiences that left me saying, “It's good, Lord, to be here!”

A view of mass gathering on July 17, 2024
at the ELCA Youth Gathering at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans

At Confirmation Camp, we got to laugh and learn and play together as we explored the Holy Spirit as wind, water, fire, and fruit. We took time to notice things in nature, as we were immersed in the beauty and splendor of God's good creation. There were rich conversations and opportunities for connection with campers, young adult staff members, and pastor colleagues (not to mention the sheer joy of just showing up to three meals a day with no prep or clean up!).

At VBS, the enthusiasm of campers and volunteers alike was contagious! We heard stories from the Bible about trust in God, played games, sang and danced and celebrated the joy of being together. We were amazed by examples of abundance, generosity, and love as we collected $640 for mosquito nets through ELCA Good Gifts and gave away 103 gift bags to residents at Strabane Trails. We delighted in simple things like neon shirts under a black light in a dark hallway, bubbles on the breeze, and bouncing, bouncing, bouncing as we sang. 

At the Youth Gathering, we were surrounded by 16,000 fellow Lutherans, siblings in Christ from across the US, the Caribbean, and even further-flung parts of the world. We experienced the expansiveness and diversity of our church, and caught many glimpses of the Kingdom of God. We danced and played together, worshiped and sang together, and ate good food. We heard about both the wonderful and terrible parts of being human as speakers at each evening’s mass gatherings touched on challenging topics like grief, eating disorders, racism, exclusion, and experiences of violence. We walked (and walked, and walked - 50+ miles over 5 days!), reconnected with old friends and made new ones, and served alongside each other. 

Perhaps you, too, had a mountaintop experience or two over these past few months. Whether it was a vacation or an experience closer to home, it's amazing how some time away or the opportunity to gain a fresh perspective can invigorate us. Maybe you felt closer to God, or closer to what felt like the best version of yourself. Maybe you were better able to focus, tried something new, experienced less stress, or had the opportunity to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Midway through the synoptic gospels we hear the story of Jesus’ transfiguration. As Peter, James, and John witness Jesus’ dazzling brightness, accompanied by giants of the faith Moses and Elijah, it's no surprise that they want to hold on to a good thing for as long as possible. But when Peter suggests that they build three dwellings up there on the mountain top, he is interrupted by a voice from heaven, saying “This is my Son, listen to him.” After the brightness and the voice and the visions of Moses and Elijah were gone, the three disciples followed Jesus down the mountain, back to the reality of the needy, hurting crowds, and toward Jerusalem and all that awaited him there. 

Just like Jesus and the disciples, we too must come down the mountain to the plains and valleys and challenges of everyday life. It can feel like a let down, but it's also true that we carry those mountaintop experiences with us. Though we cannot fully replicate life on the mountaintop, we can seek out opportunities to incorporate parts of those experiences from day to day. Perhaps that looks like carving out intentional time for quiet and rest, or for connection and rich conversation with friends and neighbors. Maybe it looks like more time in nature, practicing a new skill, or exploring your own neighborhood and city on foot. 

In a hymn about this story (ELW 315, How Good, Lord, to Be Here!), I love the line “but since you bid us leave the mount, come with us to the plain.” Jesus is indeed with us always - accompanying us in the joyous, energizing mountaintop times, and in the mundane and difficult moments of daily life. What a gift!