The Mountains Between Here and Home
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Our camping trip had been a success, and as we packed up, my husband suggested climbing Mount Princeton, a nearby “fourteener” (a peak above fourteen thousand feet elevation). It was nearly noon, long past the typical early-morning start of such a climb, but the clear skies and perfect weather beckoned us. Our two young sons eagerly agreed to the idea, so instead of heading home, we drove toward the trailhead.
Suddenly pulling off the steep road, my mountaineer husband pointed out a faint trail leading toward the peak. “Let’s take this way instead of the main route! It’ll save us time.” Rugged beauty surrounded us, and our spirits were high as we climbed.
After reaching the summit late in the afternoon, we paused to snap a family photo before deciding to hike back down the well-traveled main trail.
Tired legs and only one headlamp slowed our descent. The boys cheered when we reached the trailhead sign, but we all knew we still had far to go to where we had parked farther down the steep road. After a long time, our youngest grew anxious and voiced a question we all shared. “Shouldn’t we be back at the truck by now, Dad? What if something happened to it? How will we get home?” My husband reassured him that angels were watching over us, we were together, and Jesus would take care of us. Praying aloud and singing together boosted our spirits as we hiked on in the dark. At last, we rounded another steep curve, and the same son let out a happy shout! We found the truck right where we had left it.
All was well as we headed home.
On the journey to our ultimate home, we will face daunting mountains. Even on sunny days the path can be long and steep, and weariness may set in. The darkness of fear and discouragement may threaten to overwhelm us, and we might begin to wonder whether something something has happened that could prevent us from reaching home.
But together, let us keep going, singing songs of hope and courage, knowing Jesus has promised His presence to light the way.
Together, let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the One who started and will finish our faith journey. We are almost home!
DeeAnn Bragaw
