Top of the World..

As i made my way to the top, the sun was just peaking over the top of the “mountain” i was climbing and began teasing me with its gloriousness. i got so excited and eager to reach the peak. As i fastened my eyes on the sun, my pace became faster. The ground i was traveling on was ugly compared to what was just beyond. When i reached the top, i stopped breathing for a moment, just soaking it up! Then my eyes traveled the path that followed the peak of the mountain - kinda walking the edge neither diving left or right. i started on the way, content for the moment to watch the view from the top but not willing to dive into the valleys and hills that stretched out before me. i remember thinking – this is me and my life. As i glanced back down the mountain i noticed the significance of analogy as the story of my life unfolded in a vision before me... the grass path i had walked on to reach the base of the mountain was relatively flat and care-free (except for minor bumps in the path that were avoidable if you watched where you were going). Then my eyes traveled the rocky hillside i had stumbled up…i had climbed it eagerly and quickly (though it was not easy) merely because my eyes were fixed on the finish. Once at what i thought was the top, i soon realized i had just begun my journey in pursuit of the “sun.” For before me stretched more and more mountains and valleys, highs and lows, peaks and dips. i was reluctant to continue, knowing there was going to be a lot of effort exerted on my part and a lot of energy expended. i questioned was it worth it? Honestly, i was pretty content to walk the ridge – enjoy the view – and encourage others to dive into the valleys below. But i felt a tug at my heart to go further towards the sun. i knew it was the Lord pulling on my heart – drawing me closer to Himself. That was hard. i long for an intimate relationship with Christ but hate the hurt and suffering that comes with a life in Christ. So...i wanted to take the first step into the ravine but was reluctant. As i continued on the path atop the cliff i noticed a path coming from another way and met up with the way i was on. Though from a different beginning and a different journey to the top of the mountain, our paths had met and now we were walking together. Then the Lord laid on my heart – almost audibly –
"I will provide someone to join you and you can journey together. You will take the first step together into the beautiful and exciting journey I have laid out before you. And you will walk hand-in-hand together. I never created you to be alone on this journey – but will provide someone to go with you. And you are going to meet people along the way. . . they may be stuck in one of the valleys – maybe have lost hope or focus on the journey they are on – and you will remind them of the first mountain you climbed. You will get them excited about the mountains to come. There may be people you meet that are stubborn in their ways and will neither move forward nor go back…and of course there will be some you meet that are on their way back and want you to join them. Keep pressing on. There will be temptations, tears, fears, struggles, battles – but I am with you always. I have placed specific people among the valleys and hills before you that will encourage you on your journey. There will be many that join your team. There will be some that you meet that feel like they are the only ones making the same journey you are on, and you will come up beside them and walk with them. You will be my delight and I will use you greatly as an exhorter in their lives as you continue to humble yourself before me."
It was in that moment of silence before the Lord that i was able to hear His words of encouragement. He is faithful and still speaks today. i look forward with anticipation what the Lord has in store for my life and i am so excited to jump into the valleys to climb the next mountain because i know that my journey will lead me closer to the Son.