A Reflection: It's a Climb! Press On

"The secret of rising to the top of any mountain rests in our attitude and ability to persevere."

I often heard this line since I started in mountaineering few years back. Truly, it made sense! Now I can add, "We can never reach the mountaintop unless we have the patience and perseverance to endure the deepest valleys."

As young professionals, let's consider the mountaintop as our goals, desired job position/promotions, significant other or anything that we're fervently praying for. The valleys or the difficult trail are the
obstacles, challenges that hinders us or causes delays in attaining our goals. The question is, how do we respond when we're in the midst of that difficult trail?

"Whether we choose the trail or the trail chooses us, we still have a choice as to how we will deal with it."

The choice is still ours! We may have different scale of difficulty upon those trails but it's up to us on how to perceive it. We can either look at those steep slope, rocky, muddy, slippery trails then grumble and complain about them or decide to start the trek, climb patiently and conquer them.

Let me share some realizations while on the hike:

1.) Press On! Keep moving forward

Pressing on means not quitting no matter how difficult the trail may seems. We can take a little time to rest and energize ourselves then start moving forward. Taking a rest is always better than giving up.

Your goal is to reach the top. It's foolish to quit when you're almost there. Just realize that great challenges comes when you are nearest to your victory. You have to persevere! Perseverance means continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties.

2.) Focus on the promise - the mountaintop itself.

It's an upward goal! You have to give every strength you can because you know that it will all be worth it. Sometimes, we arrive in a certain point of our lives thinking whether to pursue or just stop moving. Never look on the things that may hamper your focus. It may be clouds of doubt or fear. Let them fly with the birds in the air. Just let go.

Most importantly, hold on to God's promises. In any and in every situation, it may be the lowest of lows or the highest peaks of our lives He will never leave us nor forsake us. His love never fails. He celebrates with us in victory!

3.) Appreciate the Prize - marvelous view

Now, this is the most awaited moment! You're standing on the edge of your dream! You stepped your feet on the mountaintop. You did it! Painful muscles notwithstanding. What a glorious experience!

And as we marvel the beauty of God's magnificent creation, let's realize that what we are enjoying is just a piece of what He could offer. He reigns above all nature and all created things!

Cherish every second while you're still on that highest peak and make memories with the persons you climb with. Opportunities come and go and so people too. They may not be the same group to climb with you again. Leave them a glimpse of who you are and listen to their stories as well.

Higher. Wider. Take the new possibility it offers. The higher the mountain, the wider the range of what you will see. A clearer perspective. A thankful heart. Brighter and wiser note to self. Connections. Teamwork. Partnership. Shared laughter and smiles of the heart.

Make every climb a learning experience.

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 3:14

The JOY is ours, the GLORY is the LORD's!

Signing back,

Fearless 2016
A strong woman unafraid to fall.