This Sunday many churches will celebrate Transfiguration Sunday. We will hear the story of Peter, James and John’s mountaintop experience as they witnessed God’s affirmation of Jesus and his ministry.

I’m guessing that the lives of Peter, James and John were not quite the same after seeing Jesus talking to Elijah and Moses. Peter wanted to stay on the mountain. He offered to build dwellings there. Jesus gently reminded Peter that they could not stay on the mountain. Jesus and the three disciples returned from the top of the mountain and Jesus continued his ministry.

We all experience defining moments in our lives – our own mountaintops. Graduations, marriage, the birth of a child, a call to ministry – these events are definitely important. Yet, the majority of our life is not spent on the mountaintop.

The smell of freshly laundered sheets.
The sound of my husband’s voice on the telephone.
The comforting warmth of a cup of tea in my hands.
The contrast of hot oatmeal and cool blueberries.
Seeing my friend’s face across the table.

Thanks be to God for the experiences of life – big and little.

~Sally Hoelscher