John Muir, the Scottish-born American naturalist and author who is known as the "Father of the National Parks" famously wrote these words in a letter to his sister Sarah, "The mountains are calling and I must go." National Parks across our beautiful country are rich with merchandise heralding these words, beckoning visitors who resonate with Muir's love for the great outdoors, to purchase them and identify themselves as those who long for the peace and beauty of the mountains. Mark me as one of that Creation loving company. Though my investment was just in a simple cup, I too felt I needed something in my day to day life that would showcase those words which had become the cry of my heart.
I don't remember where I was or when it was that I first came upon Muir's mountain quote, but I do remember what immediately came to my mind. Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful on the MOUNTAINS are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" as well as Matthew 28:18-20, "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All Authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
And so it was that John Muir became to me as John the Baptist, a voice crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord! For many years and with many prayers I have kept these words as the heartbeat of my vision, pumping life into every thought and compelling me always forward, ever onward, pressing upward!
