Uphill

Sometimes that mountain just feels too hard to climb. You have climbed thousands like it, but another one, please no. Your body aches, you heart breaks, you cannot face another step. You stand at the bottom staring up above you, noticing every crack, crevice and rock. You see the thorns on the trees, the sun beating down on your already dripping body. The last ounce of energy drains from your body just at the thought of more hurt and pain. Your legs as heavy as logs and your attitude a swirl of dejection and grief. The question encircles your mind – again? Must I really do this again? Would it not be simpler, easier, to just wrap yourself into a tiny ball, close your eyes and give up?

The answer is yes. Yes it would be easier. Everyone knows that life is full of mountains just like this one. Everyone knows the depth of the digging required to muster up the strength for yet another climb – but what do you see at the bottom? You see thickets, you see pain, you see the shadows cast by the tall imposing ridge above you.

But what do you see at the top? You see a vision, a vista of open space filled with possibility. You see the sunrise and the sunset. Your vision opens up all around you, choices, views, freedom. Space that was once cramped and restrictive is now open and free. You become part of something greater. You are not everything and everything is not you. You realise that you are not alone, isolated and fatigued but a part of something endless, spacious, forever.

So climb that mountain and all the others to come. Wear your bruises, cuts and scars as banners of a life lived. Hold hands with those climbing with you. Share your journey. And when you get to the top – rest. Take in your surroundings, your accomplishments. Allow your energy to be restored, the life force to be renewed. Realise that the ups and downs are resources. The resources that help you grow. The mountains are lessons, strengtheners of our spirit and the view at the top our reward. The rest – a replenished soul.

Allow God to fuel you for another step, on another road, on your endless journey. Tears may release you, smiles may fill you, joy may grow you, pain may hurt you, but all will enable you. All will show you the spirit that lies within. Open your soul, true peace is waiting to fill it.

Teddy bear hugs

Tonia