Disappointment in the Southern Applachians

I live a little west of Blacksburg, Virginia, not very far from the West Virginia border. For me, it is beautiful country. If you do not like outdoor activities, like hiking, fishing, biking, and kayaking or canoeing, you probably would not choose to live here. (Notice I did not mention skiing.) Still, it is strikingly scenic. It reminds me of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Of course, for mountains, the Appalachians are small. The peaks around here are, at the highest, around 4000 feet. While Virginia does possess the mile-high peak at Mount Rogers, it does not contain the several 5000-feet plus peaks like New Hampshire and even North Carolina.

My disappointment is with the razor-thin layers of snow we receive here. I am a snow lover. I am glad to have distinct seasons, but I hate cold rain in the winter. I want snow and I do not mind cold weather. Having lived most of my life in this area, I know the snow doesn't pile up around here and finally finish melting in May or June. Colorado this is not. I just want a couple feet of snow...for the whole winter! Six or eight inches of snow at once would be nice, and if it could stay on the ground for at least three days, that would be great.

I realize it is almost comical to use this phrase, but "when I was growing up" it seemed to snow a lot. It has taken me a long time to realize that Southwest Virginia is a victim of latitude. As one local TV weatherman put it, we live in Virginia, implying we really should not expect a lot of snow. In the spirit of this particular forum, that is the truth. As often as I might look up to the beautiful mountains around here, it is just not the place for significant snow. For a snow lover, it is a disappointment, and I am finally beginning to accept this reality. Since February is nearly over, it is best if I begin to hope for spring and a chance to do something outdoors...since I cannot snowshoe or ice skate or ski. By the way, we got an inch of snow today; most of it melted.

The Lucid Truth

Lucid has five definitions in the fourth edition of Webster's New World College Dictionary. The words bright, shining, transparent, clearheaded, and rational are used to define lucid. It is also defined as "designating an interval of sanity in a mental disorder" and "clear to the mind; readily understood." Aside from the meaning related to a mental disorder, one might say that most of us desire lucid truth. Isn't it uncertainty and confusion and the suspicion we are being duped that creates a most unsettling feeling? Therefore, the lucid truth is something to be treasured.

Admittedly, the truth is not always so "shining." The truth is not always "readily understood." The most important truths are bright and shining, though. To me, the most valuable truths, echoed throughout history and repeatedly proven, are words and works of Jesus Christ. Before you leave thinking this is just a sermon of religious bias or a blind proselytizing effort, let me explain.

Why do we still talk about Jesus? He has a significant following who believe he is God. Why? We believe he offered the truth. And not just one truth about how to make it to paradise. He offered many truths about life and love. He befriended the poor and despised. There is something there worth considering. He did not pursue riches and power, interestingly. He taught. What did he teach?

I believe life is full of moments and situations meant for enjoyment and growth. I will use this space to remind you and myself of wisdom and lessons reiterated for centuries in stories. Often, simple and clear truth is forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life. I want to remember what God has spoken to me through the day-to-day occurrences. I want truth to be lucid and relevant and effective in my life. I will share with you what God has reminded me on a hike, while working, or spending time with family and friends.

Truth can be very general and very specific. Sometimes I will be general and sometimes I will be specific. I look forward to your thoughts and, perhaps, learning about what truth you are being reminded.