Earlier today I had the opportunity to go with my son-in-law Charles, and his friend Chris, to Big Mountain in nearby Whitefish. The purpose - to ride a zip line. In case you are not familiar with it, a zip line is a long, continuous cable strung between 2 points which differ in elevation. (This way gravity supplies the power.) All told, the Big Mountain resort has a total of 6 zip lines that run from 100' long (and 20' in the air) to 1,900' (and 300' in the air). 1,900' - that’s over one-third of a mile. It doesn’t seem that far on land but it does when you’re hurtling through the air!
There is a reason why they are called ‘zip’ lines. It is because you go fast. Very fast. Reaching speeds of up to 50 mph is what I call fast. All the while supported only by a harness. Let me say this is not the kind of activity for the faint-of-heart!
I certainly had a good time. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I am glad that God has given me the health to be able to enjoy it. I was also glad for the opportunity to spend time with my son-in-law and to be out in God’s wonderful backyard. The reality is that the time flew by (pun intended!). This is a picture of life. ‘Mountaintop’ experiences are few and far between and they go by very fast. Zip.
A lot of Christians I know are continually in search of ‘mountaintop experiences’. That sermon or retreat that rocks their world. That time of worship that takes them to the very throne of God. That time of ministry when they know that God has used them to touch the life of someone else. Mountaintop experiences are good. They are inspiring. Uplifting. We can go a long way from one of these events. But they don’t come along every day. The reality is that most of life is lived in the valley. Where the scenery is not spectacular. Where the clouds gather above us. Where the pace of life is much slower and routine.
This is why perseverance is such an important quality of the Christian life. In Hebrews 12:1 we are encouraged to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” The race referred to here is life. The fact is that anyone can handle the mountaintop experiences - those times when life is good. And fun. And simple. It’s the everyday living in the valley that is difficult. Taking care of several toddlers on a daily basis. Going to work at a job we don’t like and that has no future. Paying the bills. Washing the dishes. Mowing the grass. But these seemingly ordinary moments make up the majority of our lives. They shouldn't be overlooked. Or resented. Or wasted.
So, thank God for the mountaintop experiences of our lives. We should enjoy them. And savor them. And take pictures. And remember them. But be must also be prepared to go back down to the valley, the place where most of life is lived. It is there that God will meet us. And sustain us. And use us. And transform us.
Lord, thank you for those mountaintop experiences that you give us - those times when we thoroughly enjoy ourselves and Your blessings. Help us to persevere during our extended times in the valley. To continue to look to You for strength, hope, peace, wisdom, joy and love. To be faithful to what you have called us to do, no matter how ordinary it make seem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
There is a reason why they are called ‘zip’ lines. It is because you go fast. Very fast. Reaching speeds of up to 50 mph is what I call fast. All the while supported only by a harness. Let me say this is not the kind of activity for the faint-of-heart!
I certainly had a good time. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I am glad that God has given me the health to be able to enjoy it. I was also glad for the opportunity to spend time with my son-in-law and to be out in God’s wonderful backyard. The reality is that the time flew by (pun intended!). This is a picture of life. ‘Mountaintop’ experiences are few and far between and they go by very fast. Zip.
A lot of Christians I know are continually in search of ‘mountaintop experiences’. That sermon or retreat that rocks their world. That time of worship that takes them to the very throne of God. That time of ministry when they know that God has used them to touch the life of someone else. Mountaintop experiences are good. They are inspiring. Uplifting. We can go a long way from one of these events. But they don’t come along every day. The reality is that most of life is lived in the valley. Where the scenery is not spectacular. Where the clouds gather above us. Where the pace of life is much slower and routine.
This is why perseverance is such an important quality of the Christian life. In Hebrews 12:1 we are encouraged to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” The race referred to here is life. The fact is that anyone can handle the mountaintop experiences - those times when life is good. And fun. And simple. It’s the everyday living in the valley that is difficult. Taking care of several toddlers on a daily basis. Going to work at a job we don’t like and that has no future. Paying the bills. Washing the dishes. Mowing the grass. But these seemingly ordinary moments make up the majority of our lives. They shouldn't be overlooked. Or resented. Or wasted.
So, thank God for the mountaintop experiences of our lives. We should enjoy them. And savor them. And take pictures. And remember them. But be must also be prepared to go back down to the valley, the place where most of life is lived. It is there that God will meet us. And sustain us. And use us. And transform us.
Lord, thank you for those mountaintop experiences that you give us - those times when we thoroughly enjoy ourselves and Your blessings. Help us to persevere during our extended times in the valley. To continue to look to You for strength, hope, peace, wisdom, joy and love. To be faithful to what you have called us to do, no matter how ordinary it make seem. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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