As surely as the sun rises...

As surely as the sun rises.....

Photo taken by me at Palomar Mountain State Park

While taking a hike with a friend this summer in PMSP we came upon this beautiful sight! We didn't think it odd as we huffed and puffed, sun beating down on us and sweat pouring down our faces that we were frequently greeted by smiling faces descending on our trail. Groups would cheerfully say, Good Morning! almost in one accord, while we huffed a short hi! in response or just managed to smile back. When we had finally reached the top of our summit we took a long break to recoup and explore. What a beautiful southern California day to be 5000 ft high taking in God's amazing beauty! As we started to descend on the opposite side of the mountain we noticed less hikers. I think we encountered 3 total on the way down. We took the descent slow and we found ourselves in complete shade and cooler temps. This part of the mountain was shielded from the sun the better part of the day and due to this, it was lush, green and completely different from the trek up. It was as though we had been in a different park. We commented often on the difference of landscape and how nice it was to get some relief from the sun...

But, It wasn't until I got home and poured through the many, many photos I had taken that God spoke to me as I pondered the beauty in this photograph. I thought of the verse above in Hosea. 

When we find ourselves facing struggles, whatever those struggles may be we can remember Hosea's verse and that morning's hike. 

 Oh, how I wanted to give up, yet along the way God smiled upon us! He sent us hikers that had already experienced the trails and trials we were headed for. Motivators!! 

We pushed through and found ourselves in His natural beauty! 

God, thank you for ALWAYS showing up! Even when we don't see You. Thank You for the help You send us even when we don't realize we are in need of it. You are amazing! 

-Amabel Piris LaFon