The Journey

Sometimes certain photos in my collection bring up memories that will trigger certain emotion or remind me of a lesson learned at the moment of the photograph. I came across this very old photo of me taken by a backpacking partner with a simple point and shoot camera. It is striking to me not only for the beauty of the area but for the lessons of the day.

Step by step. Slowly, patiently. Unhurried yet purposeful. The mountaintop is in the distance and on the mind yet it is only the next step that truly matters to the journey. Breathing labors as the altitude increases. Friends encourage and walk with you sometimes distant and sometimes close yet always part of the climb.

It was on this climb that I started to fatigue and fell behind the others. The climb became steep and discouragement threatened as the altitude increased. Steps were slower and more labored but giving up was not an option so I continued on the path. Step... step... breath... pause. Repeat the process and gain a few more feet. Soon the top of the peak was in sight but the sight that gave me true joy was my friends who had paused before reaching the peak. As I neared, one of them said..."We waited for you and want you to lead the rest of the way." This is true friendship... encouraging, partnering, sometimes leading and setting the pace yet in the end they are willing to sacrifice reaching the summit first to encourage someone who fell behind.

What kind of life are you leading and what kind of friend are you to those around you? Is your life purposeful and methodical even when the path is steep? Do you keep climbing even when discouragement threatens? If you are stronger and faster are you encouraging those with you on the journey and in the end are you still thinking of them and willing to sacrifice for their benefit? Be strong, be courageous. Lead the way if you can but never forget a brother who is struggling.

Wings like Eagles... Isaiah 40:31