Yosemite Reflections

I’m often asked why I return to Yosemite time after time. I think the answer lies partly in the words of Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from Yahweh, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Listening to God is something every Christian knows they should do. But it’s hard—especially with all the noise, distractions, and daily demands of life. As I enter my mid-fifties, I find myself becoming more reflective… I wonder: What will be the sum of my life? What will I have truly invested my days in? I’m thankful that, as a young college student, I read a book that challenged me to create a life ministry manifesto— To reach and teach as many children as possible with the good news of God’s love, and in the process, to enlist, equip, and encourage others to do the same. This mission has led me to countless outreaches, guided me to become a children’s pastor, and maybe—just maybe—part of my legacy will be this annual event I created for children’s pastors: Yosemite Summit. It’s a chance to unplug, to get away, to spend time with the Lord in…