Have you ever noticed how in the scriptures men are always going up into the mountains to commune with the Lord?
Yet in the scriptures we hardly ever hear of women going to the mountains.
But we know why — right?
The women were occupied with the essential tasks of sustaining life—caring for babies, preparing meals, tending to homes, maintaining fires, cultivating gardens, and managing a myriad of responsibilities. They couldn't afford to abandon these vital duties to embark on the climb into the mountains!
The other day, during a conversation with my father, I expressed my feelings as a woman, noting that I often don't feel entirely "free" from my responsibilities and lack a quiet space for my spiritual connection with God.
Then the next day, I had a similar conversation with a friend and her response was unexpectedly profound: "That is why God comes to women. Men have to climb the mountain to meet God, but God comes to women wherever they are." These words keep playing in my head, prompting me to delve into my scriptures to validate her perspective.
Indeed, I discovered that God does come to women in the midst of their ordinary, everyday tasks. Whether drawing water at wells for their families, tending to homes, kitchens, or gardens, or sitting beside sickbeds, giving birth, caring for the elderly, or performing mourning and burial rites, women in the scriptures found themselves encountering divinity in seemingly mundane activities. Even at the empty tomb, it was Mary who first witnessed Christ's resurrection. She was there engaged in the womanly chore of preparing Christ's body for burial. Through these ordinary tasks, these women connected with the divine.
So, when the busyness of life tempts me to lament the lack of time spent in the mountains with God, I remind myself that God comes to women.
He understands our location and the burdens we bear.
He sees us, and by opening our eyes and hearts, we can witness Him even in the most ordinary places and activities. He lives, and during times like these, He communicates with women around the world, using the ordinary to convey extraordinary messages.