CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN

I have spent many an enjoyable trip hiking in the mountains.  It is an adventure like none other with new experiences around every bend

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You usually begin your hike in the valley--but the trail begins the upward ascent quickly.  The early stages of the trail are long stretches of up an up.  I find myself stopping and resting quite a bit as my heart rate climbs with exertion.

Many parts of the trail are through deep forests with limited visibility.  The only indication of others on the trail is hearing voices from afar.  Voices which can be misleading since the reverberation off the trees can create misrepresentation of the direction and whether up or down.  As you climb switch-back trails---you go up and up--with a short break of flat at best--but usually a slow steady climb as you search for the top.



Often you will come out of the deep forest and hit a mountain meadow--filled with breath taking wildflowers of every color and type.  A false sense of accomplishment will be quickly dashed when you realize you have only climbed out of the tree line.  Enjoying the relatively flat terrain of the meadow and usually the beauty of the brooks flowing through it is short term for you are headed to the final climb.



Those last miles as you head for the summit are the most treacherous---loose rock--called scree can fill the trail--huge boulders to climb over---at times the only safe way up is on your knees.  Occasionally some trail builder will leave hand holds in the rocks to assist you in the final pull up.  The last few yards are the most treacherous and dangerous but with the final push and pull up---you reach the crest--or the pass---of the long climb.



As you look out at the world--all is below ---there are no words to describe the beauty.  You stand on top of the world with the beauty of the mountains stretching as far as you can see--all below you.  The clouds all an arm length away provide a lofty umbrella just above your finger tips.  There is no equal to the beauty of what you see--and you can only see this sight if you first take the climb.


These mountain hikes are a great deal like life.  Parts of the trail are treacherous, dangerous, and more difficult than you think you are capable of.  There are meadows to walk through--seasons of beauty and relative ease.  The future is not known as the trail switches back and forth as you continue the climb which requires blind trust knowing every turn can hold danger or surprise.  Still there is only one choice to get to the top---keep putting one foot in front of the other.  God often holds our hands---and sometimes even carries us--when we cannot go on---He never leaves our side and guides us as we climb toward the top.  Then the sweet reward as we look upon the beauty of His grace--the Son shining upon us---as we finally reach the crest.



He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains.
Psalm 95:4

6 comments

  1. Hi Lulu! These photos are just gorgeous! I'm so jealous of your hike (which is bad, I know). My knees and feet couldn't hack it, but it looks so fun. The switchback really caught my eye. How many times do I think I'm moving ahead, working hard...only to see that I'm only moving sideways? But I have to do it to make progress in the end.

    One foot in front of the other. No kidding. No matter how hard it gets. Look at that vista at the end! Makes it all worth it.
    Lovely post today.
    Ceil

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  2. I am just WAY impressed, my friend! This couch potato gives you 2 thumbs up ... and lots of admiration!

    ;-}

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  3. Wonderful post, Lulu! I was going to make a similiar comment like Ceil..how often I think I am getting ahead but take a few steps back. Blessings

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  4. Linda, Linda & Ceil----I did NOT fess up to all of the mumbling and grumbling I do headed up those mountains--I MUST have some Israelite Blood in me! The view though ALWAYS made the effort SO worth it!

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  5. This is a brilliant post. The words and pictures blend together to make the reader feel as if he is on a hike with you. Well done. Impressive. And with a great lesson to learn at the end too.

    God bless.

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    1. Bless you, Victor, for your encouragement. The best post are always from the most profound moments and thoughts in life--real life experiences!
      May your day be filled with joy!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!