The Perils of the Mountain, Life and Junior Year

As a child, I looked at the mountain with anticipation. Even as the lifelong climb began at the mountain roots, I wondered what I could possibly have to fear.From those gentle slopes, it looked like I was destined for thrills and happiness, freedom and exhilaration.But I've come a bit further now. The grass is starting to fade and the pebbles on my path have become larger, sharper, poking my feet and teasing me. They know that I know that larger rocks will soon turn into boulders, blocking my path.All of the sudden, the mountain hue seems more gray, less green.This feeling of letdown has had me anxious, fearful even, for a while now, although I would scarce admit it.Maybe I had never considered that it's not a mountain without rock. A journey taken by only grass is a stroll, not a climb. And I know I'm not called to stroll through life.Does this mean I'm called to a lifelong climb full of boulders and struggle? Maybe, but by my Father's Grace, even if this is the case, I will embrace it with all joy. Because at the first step, before I could ever wonder or wander about the mountain, I was given my Guide. He knows the path up the mountain. It's not always easiest and it's not always fastest, but dear friends, it is best.And when I stumble over boulders, rocks or pebbles, He will be there to help me up. Without my guide, this monochromatic wasteland I see before me is just that. Lifeless. Impossible and hopeless. But with Him, my old view of the mountain is not not only correct, it is overshadowed. This journey up the mountain is not only thrilling and beautiful, it's fear instilling and difficult. I'm called to a life of pain and joy, love and death, fear and courage, danger and victory. This life isn't a one note song, it's a melody told by the Choirmaster. And at it's peak, we meet the eternal crescendo and the end off all the boulders. As we reach that tip top, full of more beauty then we could ever understand on the mountainside, how petty will the fears of that Climb be? So here I am, back at the mountain roots. The real start of the Climb looms ever nearer and the rocks grow, day by day. The Preamble fades as Verse One begins.

Philippians 1:6: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

“Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion." "Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"..."Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.” -C.S. Lewis