Contrast

The mountains are shrouded in fog this morning while I sip coffee on an Adirondack chair in front of Cottage 6. Rain softly fell on the roof as we slept and a water puddle sits in a low place of the gravel driveway. The trails will be muddy today. We hiked yesterday to the top of Mount Willard where we had an incredible view of the Presidentials and of Crawford Notch. We could see where we’d ridden the scenic railroad into the Notch. We live outside when we’re up here. We take our meals outdoors: breakfast, dinner, supper. Coffee too and devotional time. We have interesting conversations on the trail (“You’re the best dressed person on the trail”), or while waiting in the ice cream line.

Why then, do we live in the city? Sometimes, I wonder. Laurence says how he walks to work. He comes home for lunch. He has weekends off, health benefits, and vacation. People are there. We’re fascinated by culture. Even out here, Laurence will say to me of the tourists, “Did you know that they’re South Koreans?” NYC is foodie heaven. It’s a feast for the eyes as we observe the sights of every block different from the last one – the little shops, the Asian markets, the street vendors and on and on. A bus takes us to the sea or to walk the wooded trails of Forest Park – so much variety in the city. The mission church is there.

Most importantly, God wants us in the city, a place where life has its joys and sorrows. God blesses us with this time in the mountains. It’s a gift, and we are thankful. Soon we’ll return to Queens. Our heart is there. It is home. (And my coffee is cold. 😎 Today, we get to meet the Brent Loewen family and their company for the bear show by Lincoln, NH.) Berniece