What is your mountain top experience?

Matthew 17:1-13: Jesus is Transfigured on the Mountain.
Like Abraham and Isaac, Isaiah, Ezekiel; what is that mountain top experience that has caused you to fall face down before the Lord?  What situation do you have no doubt was specifically designed by God that now carries you through the valleys in your life?  Jesus had given the disciples some tough news.  There was going to be suffering, persecution and eventually a crucifixion, but he was going to take them on a field trip that would encourage them for the rest of their lives.  He showed them a glimpse of the Father's glory and affirmed everything Jesus had done and encouraged them about what was to occur.  The disciples see Jesus in his glorified, heavenly body. They hear the voice of God affirming that Jesus is the beloved son and that they should listen to him. Talk about a field trip; talk about a "mountain top experience"!
Peter reacted in a way that many of us probably do today when we find ourselves in one of life's events we want to capture forever.  What do we do?  We whip out the cell phone to document the moment instead of just living it.  Guilty?  Peter was going to make this a permanent dwelling for these 3.  He was being the optimist despite what he knew in his heart was about to unfold.   I always love the story of the optimistic and pessimistic child.  The pessimistic child is put into a brightly colored room full of toys, while the optimistic child is put in a room of manure.  Soon the pessimistic child is whining about the toys being boring while the pessimistic child is asking for a shovel.  A shovel?  He answers, "well, there must be a pony in here somewhere". 
 From this point on, Jesus will turn toward Jerusalem and never alter his course until the cross.  When Lent becomes difficult to live into I invite you to turn back to this field trip in Matthew.  Maybe take a reflective selfie or 2 but look for that pony and find joy in the Lord's mountain top experience he lays out for you.  Lean on those experiences to carry you through any of the valleys.
Amen.