Mountain Top Moment

This afternoon we headed over to one of our state parks to play and have a picnic with people from our church. Matt and I invited my Mom, my sister and her family to play with our kids one last time before school started and our days weren't so free. We had a great time with them, and with those from our church at supper.

In the afternoon we went for a hike. The kids love to hike, but hate to walk. I don't understand that, but try to overlook it. We walked the gorge trail up to the scenic overlook. I walked a mile and half with 20 extra pounds, in the form of Amelia, strapped to my back. It was quite a hike. The kids did very well, for the most part.

There are some very steep sections, some with stairs and some without. It was a perfect day for a hike, cool and partly cloudy. It was very beautiful. I love walking up to the falls.

To reach the scenic overlook, you must walk up a very steep incline. After all the walking that came before, this was a big challenge for most of us. Some of the people from church started to discuss about those Mountain Top moments with Jesus. While walking up this section, one woman said "Jesus is also in the valley!" At this point in time the mountain top did not seem worth the physical effort to get there.

We finally made it to the top. As we walked around the scenic overlook, we decided the last push was worth it.

It was a beautiful picture of walking with Jesus. Flat places - time to rest and re-gather your energy. Bridges - aha! moments when you grow in an instant. Stairs - stretching growing time, not easy, but not too painful. Muddy spots/shale - very easy to slip here and backslide a long way, or even over the edge! Beautiful scenery - breath taking and awe inspiring, but don't look too exclusively b/c you might hit an unseen muddy spot! Sleep inclines - often the last push to the top, very challenging, often feel it is not worth the effort, painful, frustrating, agonizing, etc., etc. The scenic overlook/mountain top - While you may feel like giving up sometimes, the Mountain top is worth the effort, scenery more beautiful than before, and a feeling of accomplishment - which is what I think makes those mountain top moments the best. The sense that you pushed through and kept going. I finally made it!