A Lesson from Mountain Climbing

A mountain is climbed one step at a time. You begin by putting one foot in front of another, and another, until you reach the summit.

 

Of course, climbers know the importance of staying hydrated and never climbing alone. As believers walking this rocky road of life, we can stay hydrated with refreshment from God’s Word, which is as essential to life as water.  

We can build a team around us for support and encouragement, building community and strong relationships with friends, family, church members, those with whom we play sports or do hobbies and others. And, don't forget the importance of welcoming newcomers, too. Everyone needs a place to belong.

And we can learn to trust our guide, Jesus Christ. He knows the way when we do not. He provides, He protects, He heals and comforts. He goes before us and with us.  

He is with us—always.  

As we press on, in mountain climbing and in life, the power of prayer helps us to persevere and find joy. So even when you feel like giving up, believe that the ascent is worth the climb, for once you reach the peak the view is exhilarating.

“You need to persevere so that

when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.”

(Hebrews 10:36)

 

 

 

Dating Again: The Adventure of New Beginnings

"A ship in a harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are meant for.”

Ships are designed to go somewhere; they are for adventures, not dry dock.

Certainly, ships may need to be pulled out of the water for needed repairs at times. But the vessel doesn’t stay in the quiet harbor forever. It was designed for much greater purposes. In stormy weather or smooth seas, it sails on.

Yet people who’ve had their heart broken often want to stay in the safety of the harbor of isolation or not pursuing new relationships. They don’t want to set sail in the high seas of love again. It’s too scary. I might get hurt. I don’t want to start all over again.

Yeah, I’ve heard all the excuses. I’ve even made a few myself.

Sure, beginning again can be challenging. You’ve been hurt and you don’t want to risk having your heart broken again. You’ve gotten used to the still waters of the harbor; it’s quiet, comfortable and safe.

But it’s existing, not living.

And it takes a leap of faith to put the boat out to sea again. Here’s a good way to look at it: “The leap of faith always means loving without expecting to be loved in return, giving without wanting to receive, inviting without hoping to be invited, holding without asking to be held,” said Henri Nouwen in The Return of the Prodigal Son.

Instead of a blind leap, you take an informed leap of faith when you know who is steering the ship of your life. If God is your Captain, then trust is built and fear subsides because you know that He is entirely reliable, dependable and true. And He is yours.

As you learn to trust again, and take purposeful and prayerful risks, things will change. And maybe this time, it will be different. Journey on. With your competent and seasoned Captain, who knows what adventures await?

Lifting the Fog When the Future is Unclear

Choosing to have hope is a “one prayer at a time; one choice at a time” path that leads to a more whole and healthier attitude and life.

You start out by taking your first steps. As you walk on, roadblocks may come your way, but you navigate obstacles with God’s help. As you choose to follow and keep following, you learn to listen and take action.

It takes courage to get and step out on a new path. Whether you begin hesitantly or with a let’s-have-an-adventure excitement, the important thing is that you begin-—and keep choosing hope. You seek the Lord and listen for his guidance. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)

By taking one step, and then another and another, you leave the old place of brokenness and rubble, fraught with complication and unanswered questions.

Even when the future is unclear and it feels like a primordial haze hangs over your heart, walk on. Because like the early morning low cloudiness in San Francisco, eventually the fog will lift and clarity will come.

Your blue sky days of joy will return.