Climb Every Mountain
- Climbing mountains isn’t easy. Persevere. Although 1.5 miles is not terribly far, the trail was pretty steep. Life’s mountains may be tough, but one step at a time, you’ll get there.
- Lean on others. My stamina and energy aren’t quite what they used to be, but my dear Nathan “gave me his arm” the whole way up and down. Not sure I would have made it without him! The Lord has put other supportive people in our lives to help us climb the mountains we may face. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Rest when you need to. My strong boys could have run up and down the mountain 2-3 times in the time it took me to go once, but they were patient and we stopped often for water and to take a breather. You don’t need to prove that you can “keep up”. Pray, be patient, and climb at the pace you can.
- Stay on the trail. A couple times we could have gone a shortcut, veering off where some others had made their own path. However, it’s best to stay on the marked trail and not get distracted. God has shown us in His Word a path. Stay on it.
- Help fellow climbers. At one point we saw two young boys (with no accompanying adults in sight) who seemed over-heated and barely making it. We stopped to see if they were alright and shared some water with them. It makes our own climb more meaningful when we help others with theirs.
- The view is worth the effort! It was so exhilarating to get to the top and see the amazing view! Mountains are worth conquering! Don’t give up, you’ll be rewarded when you reach the summit. “The best view can come after the hardest climb.”
- Pride goes before a fall! When we arrived back at the trailhead, Nathan said, “Great job mom!” and gave me a high five. However, any smug feelings were erased as I suddenly slipped and sat down on the ground behind me. Thankfully I didn’t hurt myself, but it reminded me that pride is an enemy and we’re each just a step away from falling. Stay purposed on your goal and keep humble.
- Don’t judge fellow mountain climbers. We had seen a young man several times from a distance along the trail. His dress, demeanor, and earbuds seemed to stereotype a picture in my mind of what kind of young man he probably was. He caught up to us as we arrived back near the trailhead. We chatted with him and he happened to be the one standing right by me when I slipped backward. He immediately offered a helping hand, with a genuine, caring smile. My perception suddenly changed. Always think well of others and never judge fellow climbers. They may be having a harder climb than you.
As we look to our Loving Savior to help us face every mountain, He has promised in Isaiah 40:4:
“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.”
We may still have to face hard things and climb mountains in life. He doesn’t always make our way smooth. But climbing them may be the very thing we need to smooth the rough spots in our characters. We may also be a greater blessing to others who may be watching how we relate to our mountain than if we were just living a stress-free life in the plains. So although it might not be easy, with Him by our side to guide and strengthen us, we can climb every mountain.
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My heart sang with joy while reading this. My love reaches out to you all! xox
ReplyDeleteEven though you are "unknown" thank you for the love and joy you shared. I do so pray my experiences can be a blessing, come what may.
DeleteAmazing lessons! Thank you so much for sharing this! May God help us keep climbing the mountains leading to the New Jerusalem!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nasaya. Yes, we all must keep climbing every mountain, until we reach that heavenly home.
DeleteWow. Each lesson that you shared is so meaningful and practical. “Help fellow climbers”, was the one that stood out to me the most. It’s easy to only be concerned about my success in reaching the top while forgetting we’re all in this together. Thank you for sharing mama. 💙💜
ReplyDeleteI love you dear "Daughter'. I'm so thankful to have you and Jordan as two of my fellow climbers and helpers on my journey. Your support and love are so precious to me.
DeleteSo glad you had a wonderful, "mountain-top" experience. The Lord shares His insights under all kinds of conditions, and like you I've found that often mountains are great classrooms for learning to "climb" in daily living. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI wonder which sojourner Sam this is?..But, we are all sojourners and pilgrims in this world and need to keep climbing one day at a time. Thanks so much for sharing.
DeleteGood lessons for all of us! Thanks for sharing and including the pic. Precious family!!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear.. You are precious to me. I know you lost your own dear dad to ALS and responded with instant tears when I first told you I was diagnosed with it. You said, "I'm crying because I know what you and your family may have to face." My family IS precious and I don't know where I'd be without them and their support. God has blessed me! I pray we can all stay strong no matter where this mountain climb takes us. We need all your prayers and support. Thank you.
DeletePraying for you! Blessings... :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Renee! It's been a long time. I enjoy seeing your occasional posts on FB. God bless you and family.
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