The Hike

Just over a month ago, God gave me a great picture, which has brought me much comfort as I have reminded myself of it on numerous occasions over these past weeks.  I love the fact that, occasionally, God speaks to me through images and analogies.  Being a visual learner, my brain seems to process things better when I can hold on to a tangible picture.

Having been raised in an alpine country, it doesn't surprise me that this image has to do with a mountain.  Growing up, summers included many hikes (and moans and growns before I came to appreciate the sport), and winters were synonymous with skiing or snowboarding. 

The picture was that of a hike - a metaphore for my pregnancy with Joshua - except that I only made it about three quarters of the way up the mountain, before being abruptly helicopter-ported (is that a word?) down to the bottom, not fully grasping what was happening. 

What the Lord pointed out to me is that my time spent at the bottom is not aimless "hanging out", while watching other hikers go up.  This time at "base camp" is an invaluable time of training for a future hike (whatever shape or form the mountain takes).  It is hard being at the bottom.  On many days, I have felt "stuck", but I am convinved that I will be a much fitter hiker, and better prepared for the next journey, because of my time down here.  I will breathe the fresh mountain air more easily;I will enjoy the hike,and take in the view and the wild flowers along the way.

Looking back to my pregnancy with Joshua, I realize that I was quite anxious.  I do treasure some wonderful memories of those almost 8 months, but I was also filled with fears.  I have now lived through some of those fears, such as weight gain and delivery.  My perspective is so different today.  God has done a tremendous work of healing in my life.  Things that I worried about then don't seem to matter so much anymore. 

"Hope waits but does not sit.  It strains with eager anticipation to see what may be coming on the horizon.  Hope does not pacify; it does not make us docile and mediocre.  Instead, it draws us to greater risk and perseverance."  Dan Allender