Sunday, April 19, 2009

Dearest God,

I have climbed the mountain with you many times. Deciding to leave the valley of dark despair, I have taken the chance, took hold of your hand, and began the climb. Often I became afraid because I'm afraid of heights. Sometimes the way up was dangerous and scary. Sometimes I stood on ledges that I thought could not hold my weight. At other times I had to let go of a secure hold in order to take hold of your hand. My breathing becomes labored just thinking about it. There were moments when I wanted to go back down, giving up the progress I had made. And sometimes I did. More times than I want to confess. But other times your word of encouragement, hope and courage lifted me up to heights I could not have imagined. When I got to the top I was weary, no energy left but with you I stood, lifting my hands and my praise to the heavens.

We are going to climb mountains at church. Some of us are ready, having prepared for the journey. When I preached my message, I told them the bare essentials they needed for the climb. A backpack filled with prayer, meditation and hope. Hiking boots to give good footing. Walking sticks to propell forward. And most of all, sunglasses for the radiance of your glory when we get to the top. One man walked out and said, "I'm really looking forward to the climb!"

O God,
mountain climbing
is always
a fright
to me.
Yet,
I cannot stay
in the valley.
I must climb.
And I
must climb
with you.
May I?
May I
follow you
up the mountain
of courage,
hope, joy
and praise?

Loving you always, Andrea