How Much Do You Love Me?

It is now official that I will be leaving Glacier National Park on Tuesday the 20th to return home to Grand Rapids. It is the best decision concerning my health and also to figure out some other school stuff. This is the last thing I want to do considering I am leaving the place I call home and also the people I call my family. This is going to be extremely difficult for me. I always knew this summer was going to be difficult, but I have been challenged in ways I have never been challenged before--things that have really challenged my worldview and what I believe. This is the hardest stuff I’ve ever faced, but the whisper I keep hearing is this: “How much do you love me, Ali?” As I am the only Christian out in my area, I have challenged this question the whole summer. God is purging me of everything that is in the way of making him number one. I believe that’s what he’s doing in all of our lives—in this sanctification process. He’s not only making us more like himself, but he’s doing it in a way that allows us to love him more freely—to fulfill his greatest commandment for us: to love him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. That has never been more clear to me as it is right now as I struggle and struggle to discover how strong my love for Him is. And I’m finding that my love for him does not stand alone. My love, our love, for him is rooted in his infinite love for us. Rocks my world. 

A few days ago I had my first taste of authentic raw fish from fish we caught in the lake. We fried them in the frying back over the back country stove and ate them...probably the best fish I have ever had. Then I spent some time up in Waterton Lakes, Canada with Brooks and just relaxed, walked the beach, and grabbed some dinner out on the Patio.  This picture is is just a little taste of the beaches up there. Yesterday I hiked this lake called Shangrala, which isn't even on the map, but it felt a little like heaven. It's one of those lake you have to climb up over cliffs to get to and it sits in the chasm of a range of mountains. Spending the afternoon swimming and cliff jumping was exactly what my soul needed. This weekend I will be getting my 250 pin for miles hiked in the park--it's been wild. 

So now I will be road-tripping back to Michigan starting on Tuesday, please pray for safe travels as well as some good alone time in my own thoughts.Thank you thank you thank you for all your prayers.

Ali