A couple months ago Nathan, Micah, and I climbed Pinnacle Mountain near Little Rock. I had been there once before hiking on the East Summit Trail with a few family and friends several years ago, before ALS. We scrambled up the many big boulders on that side of the mountain. Since my diagnosis, I have had a dream of going back to climb the other main trail which is said to be easier. So on a bright, hot summer day in July, my boys and I started the 1.5 miles up the West Summit Trail. It was a memorable and fun adventure together. In reflecting back on that special day I found a few valuable lessons I learned to help in climbing other “mountains” we may encounter in life.
- 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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