Ballad of the 17-Mile Hike (Part 2)

Here's another lovely little lesson from a not so little hike :)


We picked the trail not knowing for sure if it would have an overlook to see the view. We just sort of assumed it would, because we didn't think anyone would clear a mountain trail just for the sake of having a trail. (Clearly we're not big walking fans. Just give us the view, please!)


While we climbed up, (and up and up and up), we started questioning the existence of an overlook as time crept out from underneath us. It's been an hour now and still no sign of a viewpoint. Okay, it's been two hours now and still no viewpoint. The path kept tricking us, kept making the trees just shallow enough to convince us an overlook was just around the next ridge. Through breaks in the trees, we even caught multiple snippets of spectacular scenes, but nothing really capable of capturing in a picture or  sitting to admire for a long period of time.  All we could see were view-teases; there was a wonderful sight to be had and we just couldn't get to it.


After about three hours, I turned into a grumpy-butt. If there was no overlook, then what was the point of walking all this way? Why have my legs cramp up, my shirt fill with sweat, and my could-be-relaxing day turn into a massive work-out session if there was no reward at the end?


Do you see where I'm going yet? You guessed it-- another Kingdom of God analogy.


You see, I'm learning that life is going to be hard whether I follow Jesus or not. There will still be bills I might not be able to pay, still be people I love who pass away, still be the potential for seasons of unemployment or serious illnesses or future children with attitudes who loooove to cry. Following Jesus won't exempt me from any of the hardships life brings. His love and grace will just enable me to get through it.


Following Jesus wouldn't make walking that path any easier either. It was going to be hard no matter what. But without a view, the hardness of the hike felt pointless. But with a view, suddenly the stumbles, the thorny plants, the streams of sweat and lines of dirt become worth it all, even meritorious. And the beautiful scenery seems to explain why every difficulty along the way had to happen. Bad makes the good better. Dark makes the light brighter.


Life is hard. Life is unfair. Life isn't easy, no matter what. But living for Christ instead of ourselves gives purpose. Sorrow is vindicated; suffering redeemed. A hard life with no commission for the kingdom gains nothing in eternity. A hard life spent sowing the Gospel of Christ will endure, and will be shown a breathtaking, magnificent, glorious reason behind every tear and drop of sweat that fell to the ground.


Are you writing prose for the story of eternity? Are you forming mountains in that beautiful Kingdom overlook? Or will your hardships be in vain, your fruit to whither, your life a breath.


There is much work to be done, Beloved. Strive on.


Hike more. :) 


Agape,
CC


"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28