Reflecting Experience Mission Mountains Near St. Ignatius, Montana

“We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience.” -

Mission Mountain Majesty - St. Ignatius, Montana

Each and every trip north toward Flathead Lake, I wait for it. Anticipation builds through the ascending curve that is the last hill south of St. Ignatius, Montana. And I am ever rewarded with another 'first' breath-stealing sighting - the Mission Mountains launch themselves skyward, instantly, incessantly demanding awed attention over every other surrounding scenic view. 

This February's warmer weather shows them in full winter glory, contrasting against a  bare and tentatively greening valley floor.

Mission Angel - St Ignatius, Montana

“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid.” 
― Frederick Buechner, Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC's of Faith

Toward - St Ignatius, Montana

"....But we are all entitled to

And victims of our point of view

Until we take off shoes we wore

In miles we never walked before."

© Janet Martin

Click here to read this full poem - and more!- at Another Porch.

Sunday Mass, St. Ignatius, Montana

A trip up the Flathead Valley is made extra sweet with a stop at the St. Ignatius Mission. 
It’s like icing on the cake. (Homemade rum cream cheese icing that‘s not too sweet.) 
And if you’re patient, a gap between other visitors allows time to (quietly) play the piano. (That’s dark chocolate sauce on the cake's tippy top.)
On the airy whoosh of the inner chapel doors closing behind you, the words “holy hush” fly to mind. Interior visuals to come this week will help illustrate this, but you really need to experience it in person.