Embracing the Uphill Journeys

Rebekah's children, left to right: Ella, Isabelle, & Jarin

By Rebekah Zehr, LWB Parent Committee Leader

Over Christmas break, our family spent a week in Colorado Springs visiting our oldest daughter, Ella and her husband, Mark.  Colorado Springs and the surrounding area is teeming with outdoor activities.  One such adventure was a Wintery hike to Raspberry Mountain, a 4.6 mile jaunt. 

As we began the ascent I was reminded of a quote by John Maxwell:  “Everything worthwhile is uphill.” I began to ponder that statement as we walked along gentle slopes, rough terrain, and everything in between.  How does this concept apply to my family?  What uphill journeys have we taken and how has it benefited us?  And what sort of mountains is God calling us to take on next?

Here are some points I realized during my family adventure.   As you read, consider the mountain you find yourself on at this moment.  My prayer is that you would be encouraged to persevere and know that God has a good purpose for it. (Romans 8:28)

1. Just Start.  Standing at the bottom of a mountain can be intimidating and cause fears which lead to stagnation.  Sometimes the most courageous part of anything new is taking the first step.  The more steps taken, the more momentum there is to continue.
2. Go together.  There is so much value in working together and spurring one another on.  The path may become unbearable, there will be moments of fatigue or maybe even minor injury.  This may tempt you to turn around and quit.  In these moments its helpful having someone beside you committed to continuing to the end.  That is what families do:  they cheer each other on no matter what the circumstances.  And through these experiences our love for one another naturally grows. (Hebrew 10:24, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
3. Take time to rest. Having a period of time to sit and refuel is not only a good idea, its necessary.  Pausing leads to restoration and refreshment and the ability to take on the remainder of the journey.  In the Bible, this is called the Sabbath Day and our wonderful Father built this into our week. (Genesis 2:2)
4. Sometimes its okay to fail.  As parents the Holy Spirit gives us discernment in seeing when our children have reached the point that would be detrimental to continue.  In those moments, take them by the hand and go back down the mountain. The good news is, parents can use these moments to teach valuable lessons.  After becoming better equipped, many times that mountain can be successfully ascended.
5. Keep looking forward and envision the summit.  Taking a quick look back to see how far you’ve come is good.  But if  too much time is spent checking out previous mistakes, it can deter from the task at hand.  (Hebrews 12:2)
6. Stay alert and keep on the correct path.  Taking a wrong turn, intentionally or naively, can be very dangerous. (1 Peter 5:8)
7. The view is spectacular and well worth the hike.   As a family, take time to pause and enjoy the view.  During these times appreciate each other and the God who never leaves you nor forsakes you.  With your family, take moments to pray to our Lord and thank Him for all He has done and has yet to do- on the mountain, in the valley or anywhere in between.

Do you have any memorable uphill journey stories?  Share them with your family and friends.  They make powerful testimonies to show God’s faithfulness and sovereignty.

Is there a new mountain in your future?  Take it to God and ask Him to lead to way.  Be encouraged that He will go before you.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, out us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” -Hebrews 12:2

Rebekah & husband Darin

Ella & Isabelle

Jarin