The Kiss.......There is this beautiful display that happens as the sun drops behind the mountains in the winter here in Marble. I suppose it is due to the tilt of the earth. It is especially beautiful in the midwinter, December and January. Now that it is February and the earth is making its subtle turn toward the spring equinox, it is still lovely but not quite the same in colors.

Out of my kitchen window I can see the Mountains, White House and behind it Treasure. White House is 11,000 plus some feet while Treasure (the first false summit which I can see) is 12,000 some feet. Now for those who have kept up with my experiences in our mountain village might recognize Treasure as the mountain that my chaplain friend had to pull me up with his belt and a rope. So I am thrilled that I can look out my kitchen window and see the point that I climbed and the summit that I stood upon.

Now that it is winter the two mountains are adorned in their winter snow pack. They are magnificent in all their moods and seasonal colors. But just for a very few minutes in the winter as the sun says its final good bye for the day, something quite exquisite happens. The tip of Treasure is touched by the final rays of the day and a wonderful display of pinks, deep mauves, and almost maroon but not quite, shines off the very top of the mountain. It moves me deeply every time I see it. It only lasts for a few short minutes and then the dark of night descends.

I call it the kiss. I call it God's kiss. The sun's final caress of the mountain is as if God brushes the earth with His lips to bring the day to an end. Often when I am tucked underneath the covers of my bed, my final prayer is Holy Spirit sweep through my soul and bring the comfort of soul that only You can bring so that I can sleep in the peace that only God can give. In other words let God brush His Holy lips across my soul, bringing the brilliance of peaceful colors of a day's end.

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14: 26-27