A tremor of excitement and peace overwhelms the senses when standing on the mountain peak of a 14’er, bathing in God’s beauty.  How amazing to stand in awe and breathe in His calm and experience a small piece of eternity and breath of heaven.

One year ago  –

The text message asked, “Can you climb a 14’er?”

Was that message really meant for me?

Lord, do I have the strength to do it, to be moved and changed forever by this mountain?

Before responding, images of sweat, pain, and faltering the steep uphill climb and descent flashed in my mind.  Could I do it?

I loved the challenge –

Throwing aside the negative I welcomed the opportunity of fellowship, beauty, fresh air and something new accomplished on my bucket list.

The challenge began –

At 1 am, eyes wide opened and little rest was found.  I thought I would sleep through my alarm.  This placed a different meaning for “early to bed, early to rise…”, but I made the 5:30 am meet-up time.

The drive in the Colorado mountains was peaceful and pleasing to the eye and made the early rise worth it.  We anticipated the serenity of the early morning at the trailhead.  Instead, the challenge was to find a parking spot among 150 cars on either side of the road.

Along with many others, we double checked to make sure we were prepared.  Once started, there was no turning back, only forward.

Each person claimed their own journey and challenge to reach the top – knowing their goal was not beyond their reach.  But, none of us were left alone – to climb alone.

The ascent was steep.  Enormous obstacles appeared impossible to climb.  Spots of shifting sand caused backsliding, faltering and falling – pushing one to climb again, but with redirected steps.

Discouragement, wanting to quit, retreat and turn back brought thoughts to return to the familiar and more comfortable surroundings.

That’s when you heard from others or extended words of encouragement to keep going.  Don’t quit, hang in there, you can make it, or let me help.

The Challenge Continues –

This summer the text message asked, “Do you want to climb another 14’er?”  The question made me realize, through the last year, I was already climbing other 14’ers.

What 14’ers in life are you forging?  How prepared are you? –

How does one prepare for the sting that penetrates the heart in betrayal and deception?  When does one find the willingness to descend into the valley before climbing the steep mountain of forgiveness?

How does one battle the tremors to overcome a fatal illness, isolation and loneliness during this time of year set aside to celebrate the holidays?

How does one forge through and overcome the mountain of letting go and move forward to find peace in the death of a loved one when the loss and separation are never truly overcome?

They may be a personal journey or challenge, but never to be climbed alone.

The Bible says, “For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.”  Isaiah 54:10 AMP

Sometimes, we are not as strong as we think we are.  Many times our faith moves mountains.  Others times, the mountains move us to grow in new directions by faith.

God bless you.