Yesterday, a group hiked in the Dolomites to a lookout point: Croz dell’Altissimo Refuge.

The beauty of this area is truly breathtaking. It’s captured in postcards, on Instagram, and likely on a few computer screensavers here and there. It could be easy to make the assumption that surely, the best part of being here is the beauty surrounding us.

But it hasn’t been the views that have taken my breath away while I’m here.

It’s been witnessing moments of courage, of vulnerability, of confession, of connection.

I haven’t yet experienced the chills looking at these incredible views, but I have, on multiple occasions, felt them in some of the conversations I’ve had.

It’s made me think back to Genesis 1 when humankind was created by God in His image. We were the pinnacle of his creative act!

Not these mountains.

Not the turquoise waters.

Not the vast canyons.

Each person – a reflection of God’s image.

That’s why we’re here. Don’t get me wrong: the sound of birds singing, the cool breeze, the stunning Dolomite mountains, and the turquoise waters of Lake Molveno are all truly the perfect setting to explore hard things together.

But the most sacred moments come from the biblical one-anothering that takes place.

The facial that transforms into holy ground and a space to release emotions.

The spiritual direction appointment where questions invite a fresh kindness toward self.

The inner healing prayer where chains of shame are broken.

This is why we’re here.

And as we look forward to the last few gatherings of our time together, we cannot wait to share longer stories of how God has been at work. What a privilege we have to set the table and see God work in truly miraculous ways!