We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
persevereance, perserverance, 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).

Overweight, asthmatic, and suffering from acrophobia, I pulled
myself up the slippery slope and sighed with relief when my feet
finally hit a flat surface.  I had reached the apex at last.

My mountain goat son-in-law had already climbed the mile trail
twice and had headed back for the third ascent when I landed
for the first time.

Climbing a mountain is perhaps one of the hardest things for me
to do.  I am already gasping for breath before I reach the first
quarter mile.  Like an exasperated two year old I moan, "Are
we there yet?  How much further?"

Yet, as difficult as the climb may be, all memory of the hardship
is erased when I get to the summit.  After I do several deep
breaths to stop hyperventilating, I become mesmerized by the
beauty that surrounds me.  From the top, I get a small sense of
what God must see when He views the world.  

When experiencing difficulties in life, we complain that we have
to scale the stony side of the mountain.   But when we get to the
top, we are humbled by the revelations gained.  Perhaps it is a
greater appreciation for a family member.  Or the experience
may reveal a new spiritual truth that brings us closer to God.  It
is at the apex of truth that we become grateful for the hardship
that brought us there.  For we could not have known it any
other way.



Copyright by Linda Rondeau
For reprint permission
email: lrondeau@westelcom.com
IF YOU DON'T CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN
YOU CAN'T GET THE VIEW
A SPECIAL FEATURE
BY
LINDA RONDEAU