“I can’t believe I agreed to do this,” I questioned myself, as I fought my way over rough terrain up a steep hill near my retreat site. It seemed like a good idea while staring at the site from the back patio behind our meeting room. The nearby hill featured a large wooden cross. The beauty of the lake, reflecting the autumn-touched scenery gave me impetus to hike, and what better destination than to arrive at the foot of a cross amid the brilliant colors mirrored in the sparkling water.
However, I began to have second thoughts as I followed my friend who experienced the same breathless, straining condition as myself. We grabbed onto trees and stepped on rocks as we tottered along. At about the same point in our upward journey, we stopped mid-trail to consider a return downward trip to level ground. The only thing preventing this retreat (to our retreat) was the fifteen fellow climbers following us down-trail.
I would occasionally catch my friend’s slipping hand, while clinging to branches and any hand-hold available and warned her about moving too near the edge. Finally, we sat panting on a ledge near the final few steps to the top.
Our gratitude for a much-needed rest knew no bounds, but how on earth were we ever getting down? Just as I considered calling for a helicopter for rescue, we stirred up the courage to shakily inch up the last few feet to the flatter surface of the hilltop.
There stood the cross, our goal and inspiration. My strength returned as I breathed in the cool air and turned around to witness the panorama of glorious nature surrounding me. Yes, the struggle had been worth it!
As in life, we struggle for the victory of the cross, slipping and falling, stretching and reaching for places to hold onto, lessons to propel us upward until we can reach that goal. Pine needles leave a slick path which could cause us to fall and slide downward, like sins of pride or fear. But rocks become our steady foundations, such as scripture and Christian fellowship we can stand on during our fight for truth and direction. The hiking experts along the path, like spiritual guides, will assist us and keep us safe if we listen and follow their advice.
Then, as we reach our destination and can sit on the ledge, we’re restored, just as someday we will enter that final rest, knowing our struggles have ended and our earthly life is complete, having reached our home via the cross.
Dianna
Sharing the Fruit of Maturity
