Cotterdale

I recently called at Cotterdale which is located north of Wensleydale and sits in the shadow of Great Shunner Fell. It is a quiet, peaceful place with a few farms and cottages. The one road in and out was wide enough for one car and terminated at a farmyard. We shared the road with no cars which was a relief, seeing as passing places were few. All was quiet and staggeringly beautiful. It felt like nothing in the outside world was able to disturb this rural haven. Sadly, wherever humans live, their fallen natures affect all they do and touch. Yet for a moment, just a brief moment, I felt like I had gone to heaven itself. This old world is corrupted and hard, but tokens of the New Creation often fall into our laps. The Christian's joy is not confined to future bliss but present glimpses of that which is otherwise unseen. 

I’ve reached the land of corn and wine,
And all its riches freely mine;
Here shines undimmed one blissful day,
For all my night has passed away.

O Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land,
As on thy highest mount I stand,
I look away across the sea,
Where mansions are prepared for me,
And view the shining glory shore,
My Heav’n, my home forevermore!

EP Stites, 1878