Waiting No More

Here I am, at the beginning. The first day of my new life. I feel like Moses, coming off the mountain with the word of God in his arms. My face is bright, and I am excited. Too excited for words. What will I find when I come down. I don’t want to come down, not yet.

I left the highway at Black Mountain, and find myself at Montreat,the Presbyterian Assembly Grounds. My husband and I were here, a lifetime ago. I feel close to him, though he is waiting on the other side of the river for me. I was so proud of him, when he became an Elder. I know he is proud of me, a Pastor now.

I only have a minute, I’m on battery, up in the forest above Montreat, a holy place, even if it is Presbyterian!! We’ll forgive them for that, lol! I will continue my journey back to the camp, and continue to post my thoughts (soon as I find an AC outlet!)

I’m back, at home, trying to find the thoughts that I had on the road. Leaving Montreat, I called my dear friend Monty. He being a Presbyterian minister, I naturally thought of him and his dear wife Wendy. He offered me congratulations and praise for making it thus far. He also reminded me that when Moses came off the mountain his face was covered to protect the waiting people below! I wonder if we should lock me away until the glow dies down! I am pretty excited . . .

Hitting the road once again, I took US-70 to Ridgecrest, where I again sought an alternate route. Unbeknownst to most, is a road, a backdoor really, to Ridgecrest. It is Mills Creek Rd or Old US-&70. I followed this to Mill Creek Rd (dropped the “s”), a BEAUTIFUL road that follows the Norfolk-Southern railroad line. I actually intercepted a train, and drove beside it while I also went over AND under the tracks! It wasn’t long before the pavement ended and I wondered where the road would lead me.

Well, I came out at Old Fort. Very pretty, a quaint little town. Also near I-40. But I hadn’t had enough. I still wasn’t ready to “come off the mountain.” So, up on 70, I turned left(north)once again. This road stayed paved for about 5 miles, then went to gravel. I got a sense of history as I drove. It seemed as if the calendar was peeling off backwards! After another 5 miles or so, I saw the sign . . . “State Maintenance Ends.” Easy decision, go on, or go back. Onward . . . and UPward!

I passed Old Schoolhouse Rd, Newberry Creek Rd, and Slick Falls Branch. I was in deep forest, with a lot of other people! As it turned out, I was on a forest service road, in the Pisgah. I was climbing the knee of Mt. Mitchell. What a restful place to camp. I passed about 20 tents set up on the roadside sites, about 1/4 mile apart. If you like primitive camping, this looks like an ideal place. Just a little past the last tent, I found a small secluded campground for tents, trailers and maybe a small RV. No electricity, but they did have bathrooms (primitive) which I was glad to make use of.

My suspicions were confirmed when a VERY nice (and GOOD LOOKING!) Ranger let me know that I had about 6 miles to go to the Parkway. So I continued my 20 mph trek up the one lane gravel road, winding along Curtis Creek. I passed Big Camp Rock Branch, Licking Branch, Bear Drive Branch, climbing my way through 2800’. The bottom where I started was at 1400’! The air was cool and damp, and there was a brief shower. I felt very close to God.

The road changed character as I left National Forest road for National Park rd. I was in Laurel Gap. The view was awesome. I was now on Mackey Creek Rd, climbing Big Laurel Mountain. I came out just where I thought I would. To my left was Mt. Mitchell, to my right, Trail Horse Gap and the road home. I was at 4000’ elevation, and there was only one way to go. I turned right.

As I enjoyed God and the Parkway, my thoughts turned towards home. I was coming off a mountain top, entrusted with the word of God. What would I find when I reached the bottom? God said,

"They have lost hope. They will be worshiping idols, they will be
lonely, broken, and hurting."

I set my face towards home, and asked him,
"How do I do this? I feel so alone, I need help!"

I was actually thinking of my own single situation, selfless that I am . . . not! But he responded globally. He does after all see more of the picture than we do!

"What did my Bishop tell you? I stand at the Church door and knock. You will
invite them to come out to where I am, to work in the world, and obey me. You will encourage them to come out from their "safe" place of refuge, their "sanctuary" and take me out into the world with them, binding up the broken-hearted,healing the lame and sick, feeding the poor, giving hope to the hopeless and love to the unloveable."

Oh great! *rolling eyes at God* This reminded me of the children’s game, Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? Change the words and you have "Who did God call to lead the flock? Who me? Yeah you! Couldn’t be!" Well I’m not passing the buck this time . . . Yeah, it was me. Somehow, God in His infinite wisdom, chose me to be your encourager, your cheerleader, your comforter, your teacher and your equipper. You are called to ministry, and I am to help you do it! We will work together to Follow Jesus, Make Disciples, and Transform the World!

I pulled off the Parkway in Blowing Rock, called son Robert to let him know that I was safely back and that I would be home shortly. I will be needing a whole lot of help. I know you’re there for me, as I am there for you. And He is there for us. He told me so!

I love all of you!
Your newest Pastor, Tracey