So, When Do You Know You’ve Reached the Mountaintop?

Sharing Lives—Connecting Journeys—Following Christ

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:2-3

Our life group is made up of very diverse and unique individuals. Spanning almost 40 years difference in age, some married and some single. We represent a wide range of interests and life circumstances and each person brings a unique perspective. We often utilize the “Heart to Heart” discussion resource that is available to our life group leaders (we have more if you need one). As people open their lives and share stories of their journey initiated by questions asked during the game I am often surprised by what is shared. One of our younger members drew the card “ask any person a question”. Turning to one of our more seasoned members with a great history of life experiences he asked, “What was your most triumphant moment”? She replied in a somewhat low key manner, “the moment I summited McKinley”. I think everyone in the room turned and looked at her to see if she was serious. Several in our group are outdoor enthusiasts and a few even have climbed mountains but none have even attempted McKinley. Called “Denali” at 20,320 feet she is the tallest peak that graces the continent of North America. As we continued on with the game each person that could, would ask her additional questions to expand on her experience. She graciously complied and an incredible story of perseverance began to unfold.

Climbing with a professional guide and an experienced team of outdoor enthusiasts the endeavor appeared well planned and orchestrated. However even in the best laid plans events may still unfold that no one could have anticipated. After the group attained the base camp at 16,000 feet it became evident that the guide himself was suffering from altitude sickness and would be physical unable to complete the ascent. The decision was made to leave two people to care for the guide and the rest to continue on up the mountain. Our group member described the awesome beauty and panorama that would await them and the incredible sense of smallness in the vastness of the mountain. Crevasses had to be navigated around or crossed and only one thin line kept them together through interment visibility and strong winds. The real test however would come only 1500 feet from the top. The physical strain of increasing altitude issues among team members plus just the overwhelming fatigue was taking its toll. At one point of stopping for a brief rest the decision was made, the team would return back to the high base camp. All but one, the lady who was sharing this amazing story with our group. Call it stubbornness or call it courage she would not go back. She had simply come too far to return without conquering the mountain. As she related the experience you just have this incredible sense of the obstacle before her. Strong cross winds with driving snow made the air and ground turn blue and blend into one. In the rare moment she could see downward from the ridge she was traversing she could see the 6000 foot fall that awaited her only a step away. The struggle was now as much mental as physical and now it was only her and the mountain. With visibility so compromised and no longer able to carry an altimeter she faced another problem and question, “how would she know when she reached the summit”? One ridge after another was attained but each like stair steps led to another waiting for her. Then the moment when the driving snow cleared and she saw all around her the flags of the teams and nations who had made the summit before her. She had at last made it….the mountain had been conquered but then another dilemma, “since she was all alone how would she be able to document her attainment to the others of her team?” At that moment she remembered the camera stored in her gear. Struggling with cumbersome gloves she was able to unpack the pack and open the camera…..now “what picture would best represent her achievement? Of course, the one with the flags in the background.” The ones who had gone before her had provided the frame for her solution but it was left to her to see the vision and opportunity. She would go on to successfully complete her descent and all members of the team would eventually recover. But for her the memory of that moment when she stood among the memorials to those that had gone before was worth the struggle.

As leaders especially on the front lines of relationships we all have those moments of fatigue and discouragement. Not all of our group members are perfect (tongue in cheek). We all live in a fallen world with fallen people. What a great opportunity for grace…..what a great opportunity for mentoring. The only thing I could envision better than climbing the mountain would be sharing the climb with others. Finding out that beyond myself, beyond my abilities is this whole new mountaintop that God is just waiting to show us. A place of unspeakable joy and beauty that will be worth the struggle.

Blessings to you all as you climb higher daily.

Pastor Steve Bishop