The Light of the World

Last night I met some friends from Cody in the Park for supper and left early enough that I could stop and see things if I wanted to. Fall is definitely out in full force here, with 3 colors being prominent. The grass has turned quite brown by this point in the season. Most trees are lodgepole pine, and stay green. The bright colors come from the aspen trees which turn a brilliant yellow. At their peak, they almost hurt your eyes to look at because they are so bright. On my drive, I noticed a couple places where there was one, solitary aspen tree in the middle of the hillside. Those single trees looked so beautiful and strong and courageous despite their aloneness and lack of forest companions. They fight  against snow, ice, wind, and cold temperatures in the winter time to survive. The struggle for life in their natural habitat is fierce and life is hard. The longer I looked at them, the more poignant the verses became that urge us to let our lights shine. I choose to shine God's light whether I stand alone or have a forest around me. Be the light.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth." Ephesians 5:5-9

Other pictures from my trip through the Park yesterday...

The Next Adventure

Grad school is now over and I have moved on into the real world starting with a membership to Costco. I think that is my sign of true adulthood! I do not have internet set up yet, which is in itself quite the ordeal, so I am saving major updates for later once I can write from the comfort of my couch. I am currently sitting outside my office building (for the wifi) on a concrete block and getting whacked in the face with paper napkins flying around in the wind. I facetime'd Mike, Lesley, and Lily and hoped they didn't see the flying napkins. Mike finally asked me if I got hit in the face with a napkin. Yes. Yes I did. Someone else has my keys to the building, so I'm unable to go inside where it's warm and cozy. So major updates will wait until next time.

On Friday this past week, I took a trip into Yellowstone after work and saw an enormous grizzly bear chowing down on some grubs. I was about 100 yards from it, and mostly saw its backside, but it was one of the biggest grizzlies I've ever seen. I saw a couple elk harems and lots of animal watchers congregating to see them.

The harvest moon was beautiful. In this particular spot, the moon rose over the river and reflected off of the sparkling water and illuminated some of the boulders. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I don't think I'll get back while this moon is full, but hopefully I can catch the next one. 

I have a couple of friends from Cody coming to visit next weekend. I'm pretty excited to see some familiar faces and explore this side of the park or some of the national forest around here with them. Many thanks to all of you who have supported my ongoing adventures, love of the West, and search for a job. For now, those seem to have come together in West Yellowstone, Montana.


This post has been cut short due to swirling napkins and an oncoming rain shower. More to come soon.