Mountain

Mountain – A land mass that projects above its surroundings and is higher than a hill.

Driving through the mountains in northern Virginia, I was struck by the splendor. It was difficult to fully appreciate the landscape while navigating the winding road and steep hills. My view was obscured by the brilliant sun, which made the various shades of green even more gorgeous.

From the highway, it was impossible to see what was hidden within the lush landscape. Road signs pointed to camp grounds and retreat centers, mailboxes indicated secluded homes and cabins. I imagined animals burrowed beneath the surface, birds nested high in the trees, and bobcats, foxes, and elks roaming free. I envisioned streams, creeks, and waterfalls; countless trails littered with legions of hikers, hoping to reach the highest peak.

The majestic mountains provide a natural home for wildlife, however, the rough terrain could be treacherous for hikers. I imagined them encountering adverse weather conditions, insect bites and stings, animals with poisonous venom, and a garden variety of obstacles on the way up.

I wondered what inspired people to choose such a daunting climb. I thought about the daily obstacles people encounter as they navigate life on familiar flat terrain; in their homes, schools, at work, in houses of worship, or the grocery store. Obstacles tend to show up uninvited, sometimes disguised in a garment of good intentions, other times dressed and determined to destroy your day; bullies, gossipers, liars, joy snatchers, simply put, verbal abusers. Some say take the high road, the uninvited should take a hike.

I imagine climbers and hikers, upon reaching the highest peak, feeling a sense of victory and personal accomplishment after traversing rough terrain and various forms of adversity. I imagine them thinking, at some point, it was impossible, but they continued climbing. I imagine there are many lessons learned on the mountain; natural and spiritual. I have only climbed metaphorical mountains, and on the way up, over the course of many years, I’ve learned to make my goal the high road. One day I’d like to climb a low mountain. The height is not important, getting to the peak is. 

God never promised that there would be no mountains. He will either move them or give us the strength we need to climb, one step at a time. The first climb is tough, but God gives us strength, teaching us it can be done, knowing there will be another. The steepest mountain leads to the high road. God rewards those who reach the peak.