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We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does
not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the
Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:3-5 NIV).
I thrust a tired hand on the flat, rocky surface and with an assist from my
husband landed on the top of the mountain. I had prevailed. If it had been a
Rocky movie, I might have even jumped up and down with my fists in the air.
Once a year, I force myself to take to the hills and climb one of the peaks in our
Adirondack area. Since I’m overweight and asthmatic as well as afraid of
heights, climbing a mountain is perhaps one of the hardest things for me to do.
While I can walk a straight line for miles, as soon as I start an incline my lungs
object. I reach for my rescue inhaler before I reach the first quarter mile. Like
an exasperated two year old I moan, "Are we there yet?”
As difficult as the journey might be, the hardship seems inconsequential when I
get to the summit. The surrounding beauty fills me with so much awe I barely
remember I’m in pain. From the top of the mountain, I get a small sense of
what God must see when He views the world.
This particular climb was harder. It was fall—a tough season on asthmatics. I
hated that my husband had to get behind and nearly push me through the
steepest part, just before the top. My daughter, rail thin and fit as Angelina
Jolie, stayed right by me, sometimes offering me a drink of water and letting me
rest until lungs filled back up. Just when I was ready to quit and start back
down, sunlight broke through the cloud of trees above me. I was nearly there,
my determination revved. I completed the journey on all fours, gasping for
breath, but jubilated all the same.
After taking two puffs on my inhaler, I righted myself with the claps and
celebration of family and a few other climbers who politely resisted laughing at
my ashen face. As I basked in the circus of colors below, my heart gave praise to
the Creator of such wonders. I thanked God for not letting me quit when the
way was rough and for the support of loved ones on the journey. I discovered
that day that at the apex of revelation, to be grateful for the hardship that
brought me to the point of sight. For I could not have experienced it any other
way.
Copyright by Linda Rondeau
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Linda Rondeau
If You Don't Climb the Mountain |
