Old Baldie

Revelation 21:10a – And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high. (NIV)

A place I often went in my youth is located in the Haliburton Highlands of central Ontario, Canada. "Old Baldie" was the name of a high and lofty place that looked out over at least six lakes. It was formed of solid rock, covered in places with a thin layer of soil that grew moss and, in places, tall teasels. I loved to go to this place and gaze around; I could see for miles. It was quiet, and high above everything.

As time would have it, I grew older, and was never able to return to this place. Likely, it is well I haven't returned, for I have learned that, in life, we can't go back; things are never the same.

But it left an impression I shall never forget. Though it is a place I can't physically climb again, in my mind's eye, sometimes when I cannot sleep, I take my Bible, and, as I settle back in a chair within my room, I imagine scaling the top of "Old Baldie". There I sit and look out upon this place of quiet and beauty that God gave to me. I can use the image etched within my mind to settle into the quiet of my soul, a glimpse of heaven's gate I long for, as I wait.

We can't go back to anything and find it quite the same, but, using past memories, we can look forward, and find new blessings. For Christ, who has led us this far, will carry us onwards to enjoy new times of fellowship with Him. We pause to look back and remember that He gave His life for us and for all who believe, and then we look ahead, for He has promised that He will be with us forever.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this time we have spent together, remembering the blessings we have received from You in the past. Help us to look forward with better understanding, so that in future times, our memories will help to make better our relationship with You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.