November 3, 2009

A Holy Place...

"This is the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world." ~John Muir





















Since I was a little girl I have fantasized about living in the forest...you know, in a hallow tree, much like the one in Ashdown Forest with Pooh and Christopher Robin. For me, there has always been something fairytale-like about towering trees, trickling brooks and crisp forest air.

Seven years ago the Senor surprised me by taking me to Muir Woods. We had just become engaged and had gone to San Francisco for a few days. He told me he had a surprise for me, loaded me up in a rental car and off we went.

During the 12 mile trip through the woods I began to ask a lot of questions. You know, fair questions such as, "where are you taking me?", "have you ever been there?" "do you know where you're going?", "are you trying to get rid of me?"

I mean come on, if he regretted the engagement and wanted rid of me surely we could talk about it!

And then, we were there.

He knew of my love for trees and he took me to see the greatest trees of all.

Could there be a sweeter or more romantic gesture?

Muir Woods, with her towering redwoods stood before us.

As we walked the trails of Muir Woods I was overcome with emotion. The splendor of God's wonder surrounded me. Without realizing it I whispered when I spoke. The Senor asked me why I was whispering and I said, "this is a holy place".

Last week we visited Muir Woods again. It still contains all the wonder of our original visit.

My brother in law made the trip with us and as we walked the trails he turned to me and said something along the line of, I feel like any minute I'll run in to God in here.

I tell you, it's a holy place.

********************
I've been to church
I've read the book
I know he's here
But I don't look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

R Clawson
M Criswell
W Kirby

********************

14 comments:

Linda Duncan said...

Oh my Kim, you have done it again. How very proud you make your Mom. Your writing gets better and better. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Mom

Unknown said...

awwwww Kim lovely story to go with the beautiful pics...it does look so magical!
Hope your having a wonderful week!

Life Laugh Latte said...

So beautiful! I love Muir Woods. Went last year...but it was packed. I'd love to take the kids again during the week. I love the silent part of the walk. That was a genius move on someone's part. Thanks for stopping by and sticking with my insanely long post. So sweet of you. Don't look now but I'm stalking (er...following) you. Holly at lifelaughlatte.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

what a nice breath of fresh air this post is! The trees are beautiful and serene and the experience you had there is really neat!I want to go there-whilst my youngest is pounding on the piano in my world. :)
Cheers!
Hi from SITS

Ann said...

Beautiful. I LOVE that poem at the end. I know the feeling how can you walk through a forest and NOT see GOD

j said...

The photographs speak of majesty to me. Such a lovely post.

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

What a beautiful place!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I hope you do try that pie!!

Mrs. M said...

Your pictures are beautiful!

Alicia said...

how gorgeous!! and i love how you detailed it!! it makes me want to take my kids out and go exploring!

Clare said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I haven't been to Muir Woods in a very long time and I only live a couple of hundred miles from the city. The shame. It is such a holy place, I agree.

Confessions From A Work-At-Home Mom said...

I am so glad I stumbled across your blog! My hubby and I are planning a trip to California (where Muir Woods is, I think, right?), and we were considering different "natural wonders" to see... and your post inspired me to add it to our list. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story from a beautiful place!

~Elizabeth
http://confessionsfromaworkingmom.blogspot.com

Alexandria said...

Muir Woods is insanely beautiful. It is such a peaceful place to be...I love it.

I came over from SITS!! Happy Saturday!

Terra Heck said...

Happy SITS Saturday! What beautiful photos! I like to view the wonders of the woods. They're so pretty and magical.

Alison said...

I'm glad I came across your blog! There is nothing like being outside in a beautiful place! It shows us how amazing God is to have created such beauty! Happy SITS Saturday!