Even When You Can't See Him, He's There
by Michele Husfelt on Sept. 9
We visited the mountain today. And even though it was not visible, we knew it was there.
How can we be certain of something we could not see, one might ask? Here are just a few reasons, to be sure.
1. There are signs all around. Driving from the outlying cities and towns, and even at the base of Mt. Rainier National Park, the signs are prevalent. At every bend and turn of the road in the park, there are wooden posts that point toward the direction of the summit.
2. Others talk about seeing it. As we strolled along the winding paths, marveling at several waterfalls and fields of wildflowers, we overheard many conversations about the probability of seeing the mountain. Sadly, for some, they had only seen the phenomena in books or movies but hadn’t yet seen it for themselves. Today would not be their lucky day, however, because others had seen it and shared their experience, they were convinced of its existence.
3. History proves it is there. In addition to all the historical books, atlases, maps, and documented information, there is a particular tourist photo op, the park guide mentioned, that is a prime place for photos. On a sunny, cloudless day, the mountain will hover over a set of cement steps ascending toward it, and on the bottom of the stairs is a profound quote by noted conservationist, John Muir, in 1889. Upon reflection of his extensive studies of Mt. Rainier, Mr. Muir wrote, “…the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings.”
4. We’ve personally seen it and experienced it. Having lived in the Pacific Northwest and now having adult children and grands who do so, we have seen Mt. Rainier more times than we can count. We’ve seen it from the north, south, east, and west; from iconic stopping points along hikes and trails, and even from the air as we fly in and out of Seattle. We have played in its snow, splashed in its waterfalls and creeks, and played hide and seek in its forests boasting the tallest evergreens and fir trees in the northwest. When living there, on most sunny days, we could even see it from our house 50 miles away. We have experienced the mountain on literally many levels.
These are just a few reasons we are confident this magnificent grandeur is there, even when we cannot see it.
Ironically perhaps, or maybe not, these are the same reasons we are certain God is right here with us, and among us, even when we cannot see Him.
1. There are signs all around. Though we may not see God as a physical being, everywhere we turn, there are signs.
2. Others talk about seeing Him. We know and understand that He reveals Himself often through those around us. Our experiences are to be shared in community to encourage others who are looking for Him.
3. History proves He is here. Along with a plethora of other historical manuscripts, Scripture has been given to us as God reveals His evidence and faithfulness to past generations. John 20:29 states, “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
4. We have personally seen and experienced Him. In all our days, in the seen and unseen, in our families and friends, through divine appointments and mundane tasks, in the peace of His presence, the hope in our hearts, and the assurance of eternity, we see and know that God is here. Even when we cannot see Him.