another steep climb

This summer we spent a lot of time back in the hills of Pennsylvania, hills I’ve been acquainted with since childhood.

It was a beautiful day when I stopped to snap a photo of this particular hill.

As kids we used to run up that hill. My title says it best, “A Steep Climb.” It’s steeper and longer than this photo suggests.

Climb. It demands all we have physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Perhaps you, like me, can identify with some of the following.

• loneliness
• broken dreams
• financial distress
• child running from God
• cancer
• spiritual desert
• job uncertainty
• addiction
• broken relationship
• chronic pain
• loss of loved one
• rejection

Whew! I’m tired just writing this list. Yet I know someone who is in the “climb of their life” in each of the above mentioned. I find my own name by too many. And this list could go on and on.

But every climb needs a rest stop.

When we experienced turbulent times a couple years ago with our oldest son, I was once asked why we didn’t do something.  Put in more effort.

While not offended by their question, here was my response taken from my journal. (The journal which now has 473 entries.)

“Resting on God isn’t doing nothing. Rest is our action verb. Prayer is our weapon. Resting is trusting in a God who is bigger than the challenge before us. Resting is releasing our son into God’s care. It may appear that we are doing nothing, but as we rest and trust, we are waging war against the enemy.”       8/9/13

Sometimes climbing involves simply standing still.

Hear the words from Jeremiah, one of the great prophets of the Old Testament, who was well acquainted with steep climbs. He was bold and did not give up in what God called him to do.

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:25)

Trekking with companions makes the climb easier.

As I write this morning, I’m not sure if one of my journey-followers will be able to read this post. If I could dedicate the words I try to string together on this blog, I would honor my Auntie Marion, my mom’s sister in Michigan. She has been one of my great cheerleaders in encouraging my writing. 

Aunt Marion is nearing the top of her steep climb against cancer. She is getting closer to Heaven. “You keep resting and trusting, Aunt Marion, and I will keep writing.”

I remember as a kid lying in the grass watching the clouds. No matter where the climbs in life take us, it is always a great place to rest. Look up!

Jesus beckons: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

margi

ps… if your hill is too steep a climb and you need a walking partner to share or pray with, I’m here at monkjo@live.com