When challenges come our way and obstacles rise like an impassable mountain range, it can be easy to feel we cannot possibly consider ascending through the mountains and seeking passes to the other side. Mountains can be places of great beauty as well as formidable sentinels obstructing where we would most like to go.
Over the years of vacation travel, our family has been blessed to see a variety of landscapes, historical sites, spectacular cities and events, but we are always drawn to the mountains. Something about their beauty and strength pulls us toward their location whenever we look ahead to our next time away.
Perhaps it is our enjoyment of trekking on the trails and discovering the wild flowers tucked into crevices or high meadows not accessible from a roadway. It could be the conversation my husband and I have as we make our way along the path that adds to the treasure trove of memories of other mountain paths.
One reason is undoubtedly the view that comes from climbing above the rolling hills where we live. It can alter perspectives on the daily grind or the unsolved issue plaguing us as well as inspire us and remind us of our Creator.
A climb through the mountains requires a heightening of senses as well. The trail can take unexpected twists and turns or be clogged with a fallen tree. The mountains are also home to many animals we do not find on the plains below. These paths go through their home, their habitat, and they are not sure we are safe.
Wildlife both small and large can be closer than we think in rocky caves we do not see or heavy forested areas filled with shadows. I will never forget one mountain hike where we came upon a slightly muddy area with a clear fresh paw print in the mud. Whether it was a bear or a mountain lion, we do not know but it gave us pause and a reminder that it is better to make noise on the trail rather than to surprise a creature that was not expecting company.
To travel into the mountains requires consideration of the food and water you will need on the trip (even if it is only an hour or two). You won’t find a Starbucks, hamburger shop, or ice cream stands to provide refreshment.
If all of these things are true about actual mountains, why do we forget these very truths apply to other mountains we face as well?
Challenges (a.k.a. mountains) can tempt us to believe we are blocked from movement. We can be persuaded to believe they are impassable and so powerful they will undo us and we sit at the bottom feeling hopeless.
Other times we can decide to charge right up the path without adequate preparation for the trek. Do we have proper shoes, clothing, water, food, a compass, rain gear, and more?
We are not called to cower on the mountains nor to be confined to the plains.
Mountains have much to offer, much to teach us about them, God, and ourselves. They can seem as though nothing is stronger nor impregnable than they are, but that points to what we don’t know about mountains.
“Where there’s a mountain, there’s always a river flowing nearby. Ultimately the river is the more powerful of the two.”
Lisa Wingate
Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us this week at The Blogger’s Pit Stop!
So many analogical lessons in this post Pam! I enjoy the mountains but am drawn to the seaside. It’s where I feel at home 😀
We scale so many mountains in our lives, don’t we… I’m so glad Jesus is my anchor & belayer!
You may enjoy the mountainous experience of Challenging…days really! Pam https://teawithjennifer.blog/2018/10/26/challenging-days/
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer! It seems each of us is drawn more to one than the other many times even though we enjoy both.
We do indeed scale more than one or two…sometimes ranges of them.
Thanks for the link. I’ll check it out.
Hugs,
Pam
Such a beautiful and inspiring post, Pam! I’m blessed by your words and your perspective! Thank you for sharing! God bless you! 🙂
Thank you, Tai!🌺 Have a blessed weekend!
You are most welcome! Thank you and I hope you have a blessed weekend as well! 🙂
Beautiful and inspirational. Thank you for your ongoing blessings. You are appreciated more than you know.
I totally agree with you, Brenda! She sure is!
❤️
I love your analogy. “If all of these things are true about actual mountains, why do we forget these very truths apply to other mountains we face as well?”
It takes preparation and stamina – and time – to climb mountains. We need those things as well to face spiritual mountains.
Thanks, Pam!
Wise words worth remembering as we wend our way up some huge steeps …
Your wisdom stays with me, friend. I’m grateful for the way you speak into my life.
Such beautiful photos! We love getting out as a family and hiking; there is something to calming and centering about being out in nature.
Thank you!🌺 You are so right about the impact of being in the midst of nature.
Wonderful pictures and great posts to read! That is a good analogy and your pictures make me want to plan a few hikes this summer!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you!😊 Glad the photos offered some inspiration. They make me eager to return to these places.💕
What beautiful photos, Pam, and a perfect analogy for life’s challenges. Thank you for sharing both. Enjoy your weekend!
Thanks, Christie! The photos are places that bring sweet memories from time with my hubby on vacations. Have a great weekend as well!🌷
Yes, I agree with Lauren. Great analogy and your photos remind us of the majesty of God in His creation!
What a great analogy. And your pictures are stunning. laurensparks.net
Thanks so much, Lauren! The photos make me homesick for these places we have visited♥️