On Saturday I had the privilege of hiking five miles to the top of Beauty Spot. It’s a gorgeous bald where you can see for miles and you’re so far away from civilization that the quiet is deafening. The trail began very easily; it was fairly even ground and the trail was relatively flat. However, if you want to go to the top you must go UP! We began our climb. I tried to pace myself at the front of the group, but as the incline continued without any reprieve I had to take an occasional break while my lungs were trying to suck in enough oxygen to keep up!
I made it to the top and it was beautiful. It is well worth the hike. The trip down was a proverbial piece of cake – downhill most of the way. Except for having to watch for the tree roots so I wouldn’t trip, it was much easier than the hike up!
As I was coming down I thought “Isn’t this the kind of path most of us would choose for our lives? Downhill sailing all the way is the preference.” Who wants to strain upward, pant with each breath, and sweat with the work of it? But if we only we went downward we would never have the reward of the climb – the beautiful view!
This morning my dad continues with his heart problems and is lying in the hospital with fluid retention and pneumonia. This is a hard path for him, a hard path for me, his daughter. This is not a downward hike – it is uphill. It’s hard; it’s not what I would choose. I am reminded by the music I’m listening to as I have my devotions today that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in His way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23, 24) I can follow my Guide. Though the journey is difficult I know the strain will be worth it. The view from the top is learned dependence on the Lord, greater trust in His Word, and a drawing nearer to Him. I choose to “press forward on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day, still praying as I onward bound, Lord lead me on to higher ground.”
RefreshHer 