"I’d rather be in the mountains thinking of God, than in church thinking about the mountains." John Muir.

 “A grove of giant redwood or sequoias should be kept just as we keep a great and beautiful cathedral.” Theodore Roosevelt

On this day, May 17, 1903, the “cowboy president,” Teddy Roosevelt and naturalist, John Muir, set out for a camping trip in the Yosemite Valley. These two men had strong ties to the conservation of beautiful, natural areas within this country of ours. Because of their time together, it became apparent that the President and Muir could make a difference in a special way for all Americans. Can you imagine them sitting at a campfire, discussing the beauty of the Yosemite? The sky must have held billions of stars. The crackling of the fire wafted up to meet them. The slight rustle of some animal may have startled them for a moment, but just sitting there in the peace and quiet of God’s creation had to be blissful.

Roosevelt was a self-made man. He struggled with health issues as a young lad but overcame them with vigorous physical ambition. He loved the outdoors. He was captivated by the beauty of nature and the magnificence of the mountains. John Muir also loved nature. He lived his life within it. He studied the trees, the plants, the winds and storms. He would sit for hours in a tree, surveying the beauty around him. Like Roosevelt, he dared to beat the odds by keeping copious amounts of notes and observations about these natural places.

The two men would go on to establish what some have called, “America’s Best Idea.” The National Parks would evolve from that short trip the two men took on this day in 1903. I can’t help wondering what it must’ve been like for the early settlers as they pushed their way through magnificent slopes – following only the trail of the animals who originally paced it.  Our nation was built by human sweat, determination, courage and diligence and the grace of our Creator.  All of that paid off as National Parks were established to preserve these God given treasures.

We often struggle through each day, in hopes of finding success, contentment, purpose and usefulness.  As we approach every new stage of development, there are new adventures awaiting, new roads to carve, new mountains to climb. there are also obstacles to overcome, bumps in the road and disappointments. We are the ones who decide whether we follow our own direction or allow God to lead us. He speaks to us through HIs holy words in the Bible.  He gives us peace of mind, when we make correct decisions.  He supports us when things fall apart. God didn’t create us with wings, but with Him, we have the ability to soar.