CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN
We had walked about a mile on the wide, smooth flat road which was known as the "Railroad Bed Trail" that paralleled the river. The walk had been easy and brisk as the early morning sun filtered through the trees that towered to the heavens around us. We reached the marker that pointed up to Overlook Vista and immediately found that the narrow, winding path steadily got steeper with each step so that our pace slowed drastically. Our trek became more difficult as we paused often to catch our breath and hydrate ourselves. Thoughts of turning back filled our minds and we voiced them to each other.
At 60 years old, we don’t have the energy or stamina we once had and we began doubting ourselves with each laborious step. Though my asthma was under control, the nodule in my husband's lung was limiting his air capacity on the strenuous climb and higher altititude. We stopped every few steps to catch our breath and we began to worry if the climb up Little Ball Mountain was too much for not only for us but our two young grandsons ages 7 and 9 who trudged on a few steps ahead of us. They seemed unaffected as they enjoyed the adventure but welcomed the breaks as much as we did. The air was becoming increasingly warmer as the sun rose higher over us so we’d pause to hydrate ourselves.
It was our last full day camping with the boys and we had been hiking three miles a day on the Railroad Bed Trail building strength for this day’s adventure to the Overlook Vista. We had been talking about it all week, looking forward to it. Now we were willing ourselves onward and upward.
At last, with one more bend in the mountain, one more steep rise, we saw the huge glacial boulders and the clearing in the trees that was the overlook. With the summit ahead of us, we scrambled the last few steps atop the flat boulders that served as a platform for the vista before us. Velvety green carpeted mountains lined the horizon with thick dark forests below us and azure blue skies above gave us a panoramic view of the Vermont landscape. Huddled together on the top of the cliff we reveled at the sight that our eyes beheld and sat quietly for a few minutes together just taking it all in. "Thank you God. Thank you for helping us get to this beautiful place." I found myself saying out loud. I heard my youngest grandson say, "Yes, God thank you for helping us get to this beautiful place." It was a sacred moment. We were near heaven as we looked over and down the mountain cliff to the forest valley below. We lingered long enough to have some snacks and another drink. We felt exhilerated and renewed for the long journey back down the mountain knowing the trek downhill would be much easier.
On the way down I remember thinking that sometimes we are faced with challenges and wonder if we’ll succeed. Mountains loom before us and we wonder if we can scale them. We accept the challenge with confidence and hope but doubt may set in when the going gets tough. It’s then we’re faced with the choice to either push on or to turn back. Accepting the challenge is not always enough. One must be prepared. Being prepared for any journey is so important both physically and mentally but especially in the spiritual realm where it’s essential. We had prepared for our climb up Little Ball Mountain by packing our backpacks full of snacks & plenty of water & used walking sticks for support.
Spiritually, we need to feed our spirits, quench our parched souls & lean on the Lord for His support on our earthly journey which takes us over all kinds of terrain including hills & mountains to scale. It won’t always be smooth traveling. When doubts assailed us on our trek up the mountain, we prayed for God’s direction & strength and He gave it to us so we pressed on instead of turning back and we were rewarded for our effort. I never look at a mountain as just something scenic and beautiful. It is so much more on so many levels. The rigorous climb to get to the top was well worth the effort spent in getting there and so it is in life when problems come our way. Sometimes the best route is up and over the mountain as we did. At other times it may be more prudent to take the long way around but one thing is sure--life presents mountains that we must face and deal with but God is always there to help us conquer them. As Scripture says, "He reached down from on high and took hold of me...the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." 2 Samuel 22:17-20". The image of that scenic vista on the summit of the mountain is forever etched in my mind as is my grandson's confirming words. Truly it is a spacious and beautiful place where the Lord took hold of me of us.
Blessings in Christ,
Mary, Web Editor
