Israel's Mountain

Since arriving here, in the quaint little (??!) city under the sun, my child has been engrossed with the mountainous terrain that surrounds us. Adventure after adventure have occurred under his youthful leadership (some of which, I'm certain, have had the mom of a particular nine year old boy a bit chagrined and concerned for her sons' safety and welfare).

Nevertheless, Israel returns continually to the mount nearest us, to sleuth and discover to his hearts content. Yesterday, I allowed him the privilege (yes! he asked!) to take my camera with him on his jaunt. I didn't think I'd receive any worthwhile material, since, normally, the lad is obsessed with taking photos that scare the bejeebers outta me. (WHAT was he thinking???!)

I was surprised, then, when I found a series of self-portraits that revealed a lad immersed in introspection, a glimpse of new found maturity, written upon his face, the reflection of inward growth. Hm. These moments tug at a mother's heart.

So, I share them with you now, choosers. A glimpse of my boy, growing up, and considering his ways . . . on his mountain. The spiritual analogy of which is not lost on me.

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest . . .But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12: 18, 22-27