"On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child." - Luke 9:37-38

Vacations are great, but eventually they end. Work awaits and the daily routine demands our attention. Even in retirement the demands of daily life call upon us when we return from trips to see grandchildren and other enjoyable diversions. Special occasions and getaways are important for good health and emotional well-being, but real life is what we are all about.

In the same way, we need to have spiritual retreats and special times with our Lord. Such occasions may be a week away at a Christian camp or Sunday celebration at church. Then again, it could be the simple but refreshing devotional time alone with the Lord every morning. But when we "come down from the mountain" the daily routine demands our attention and ministry to others is waiting. The truth is, times with Lord fill us up so we can be ready to tackle real life for Jesus.

Do you often wish that your mountain top experiences could be the norm my friend? If they were, who would bring the Lord's blessings to those in need? Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that the Lord "comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction". Be sure to take special times of refreshment with the Lord, but "come down from the mountain" ready to tackle real life for Jesus.