Today's scripture readings are filled with incredible imagery.  The Transfiguration is one of my favorite stories.  Not just because of the beautiful images of Christ, but because of Peter's reaction.  Daniel describes God, clothing as white as snow, sitting on a throne flaming with fire.  He describes the son of man.  Coming with the clouds of heaven and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.  The Psalmist says that righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.  Peter tells believers that these aren't just stories they've heard.  They were eyewitnesses.  And Luke describes the transfiguration.

One of the amazing things about Christ is his ability to use anyone to accomplish God's will.  And I mean anyone.  I find great encouragement in Peter's humanity.  If God can use Peter, He can use anyone.  Even me.  In the transfiguration story, Peter is rash and spontaneous to the point of being laughable.  Peter sees Jesus speaking to Moses and Elijah.  How does he react?  He could have bowed in reverence.  He could have run in fear.  He could have said "wow!"  Instead he says, "this is great, let's pitch a tent and stay up here."  I wonder how Christ reacted.  Did he look heavenward and say, "this isn't really the one, is he?"  Did he frown and shake his head at such a foolish reaction?  Or did he lovingly smile at Peter's enthusiasm?  I see Christ's love and patience shining as brightly as his clothes in this moment.

We all have "mountain top" experiences.  Those times of inspiration,  joy and enthusiasm.  The birth of a child is a "mountain top" experience for me.  I laugh, I cry, I say and do stupid things.  Even with son number seven, I was this way.  You would think that by now I would know better.  I know about diapers, terrible twos, worry and fights.  I know about the emotional, physical and financial drain.  I even know some about rebellious teens.  Logic would say that when son number seven was born, I should have run screaming from the hospital.  And yet, the moment I held him, I knew I would lay my life down for him in a heartbeat.  I wonder how God does that.  After a mountain top experience, we'd love to pitch a tent and stay up on the mountain with Christ.  However, the fact of life is that we live in the world.  We often have to reside in valleys that are dark.  The key is to remember that Christ loves us and is with us wherever we are.  Whether it's holding a baby on the mountain top or holding the hand of a dying loved one in the valley.