“We measure our days out in steps of
uncertainty not turning to see how far we’ve come.” Al Stewart
Many
successes in life come only after a looong process of trial and error. Individuals
can feel pressed down, even buried, by current circumstances. It’s certainly easier
to give up than to push forward. Also, many people focus on changes they want rather than improvements that have already taken place:
- That illness is clearing up with medication.
- That weight is gradually coming off.
- The ancient car was just repaired.
Mountain Climbing
We all climb
literal and figurative mountains. The road of life isn’t always flat and wide.
It can be steep and winding. Personally, I often walk by faith.
Mountain
climbing isn’t easy, especially if we’re not accustomed to exercise. A person
can get discouraged when they focus only on the top of the mountain. On the
other hand, there is a method of
encouragement: we
can look at how far we’ve come rather than how far we have to go.
The Boy Scout Hike
My husband
told the story of a strenuous trek as a teen. His boy-scout troop was going up
a mountain with 40-lb. backpacks. They were exhausted. At one point, the young
men became especially discouraged. They groaned as they peered up and saw they
weren’t at the peak. When would the ordeal end?
At that moment,
the scoutmaster suggested the scouts look down. Sure enough, the boys gasped as
they noticed how far they were from the base. This new focus empowered them.
The troop found new strength to continue.
My Conclusion
“For now we see only as a reflection
in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall
know fully, even as I am fully known.”--1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
Life can
often seem like an uphill battle. I’m not referring to a gentle hike through
the Blue Ridge Mountains. I mean a major expedition to Mount Everest. We may be
dealing with one major challenge or many trials. Our setbacks might be ongoing
or temporary. Perspective is always the key.
Related Posts
Are you concentrating on how far you’ve
come?
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