The Wanderer above the Mists and Moses

The Wanderer above the Mists 1817-18 by Casper D. Freirich

This painting is one of my all time favorites. It evokes such emotion and inexplicable amazement at the wonder of nature and all of the creations thereon. The mists are beautiful and at some point, I expect them to disipate and reveal a whole new scenery to gaze upon. I have stood at the tops of mountains before. My husband is a rock climber and so we often climb up the beautiful rocks to look down on the amazing scene below. I've overlooked Provo at midday and at night during all seasons. There is something incredible about looking over your home and seeing the big picture and how everything comes together. Light on the water, trees in abundance and a perfect view of the temple.

When I look at this image of the man, I am reminded of other men in history who have looked out from high above to see the scene below them in introspect. Some of them you may recognize: Moses looking down on the 12 tribes of Israel after having spoken with God and recieved instruction from him. Christ looking down from his cross and thinking of the people below, asking for forgiveness on their behalf. Mormon looking out over the carnage and complete destruction of his people the Nephites and mourning for his once delightsome people who became proud and sinful. I'm sure people like Noah, Columbus, and Magellan did the same thing when they first got off the boat to see the new land before them. The world is full of wonder and when the mists finally rise, a new world emerges.