"The glory of God is man fully alive," so said St. Irenaeus many centuries ago and this is what Pietro, Isabella and I experienced yesterday as we climbed Quandary Peak (14,265 ft - 4347 m).
While, as St. Paul reminds us, we will only experience our true fulfillment in Heaven, it is also true that God is glorified when we live the life of grace he has called us to live here on earth.
So, climbing a mountain and using our human gifts to praise Him and do His will are activities we should enjoy and share with others. I am convinced God smiles when we do that.
The highlights of the climb:
- meeting mountain goats along the way
- 360 degrees view of snow covered peaks from the top
- bragging rights of climbing 3500 ft elevation over 3.5 miles
- just being together in God's peaceful nature
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| Early start - 6AM on the trail |
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| Sunrise on the high mountains |
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| Close encounter |
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| On the top... what was he doing there? There is no vegetation at 14200 ft elevation |
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| 4th 14er for Isabella and daddy. 2nd 14er for Pietro |
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| We made it! |
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| Proof of having reached the top - time, elevation and heart rate |