Those closest to me know that I do not like to hike; I actually dislike it. Walking is different however; I will take a walk and enjoy a typically more level path. Because of past experiences, I know the climb involved and often rough terrain a hike to the top entails, and I would prefer not to put myself through the hardship. Much can be said to parallel life.........

As with hiking to the mountain top, I start down low, often in a valley area, which naturally implies I am beginning at a lower place. I may need to psyche myself up, tell myself I want to do it and can do it..... get back to the top. Packing up, hydrating, having proper garments or gear are all part of the preparation needed to make any type of journey, so as not to get stuck along the way to the top. Unless heavily persuaded, I can so easily talk myself out of making the effort.......

One may go it alone, enjoying the solitude or join a group in solidarity, on a mission to get to the mountain top. And so it is in life.......... There are times and seasons for each; know which one you are in and have entered or you may not make it through. The climb to get to the top is almost a guaranteed uphill one, with obstacles, slip ups, and rocks along the way. There is no going around it; however, you may see and experience things unusual and even unnatural, and more so, unforgettable.........

Times in my life I most definitely have been on a mountain top, and I guarantee it has taken effort, determination and perseverance to get there. And yet oh how quickly, after seeing the amazing views and vantage points, the journey downhill comes so much easier, particularly on those you "partner" with. If I do not keep the higher perspective I worked so hard to achieve, it can quickly diminish upon entering the low points one naturally experiences in life.

These movements, the climb and "falls", highs and lows, are all part of this amazing journey I call life. It is with great anticipation, believing I will make it back to the mountain top again, that I can come back from the higher vantage points and walk through this path that is mine to own. To occupy. To take back as my own very territory..........

I may have been perplexed but I am not in despair; persecuted, yet not abandoned. Crushed, but not hopeless........... 2 Corinthians 4