First Baptist Church of Herndon

Your Mountain Top

Linda Soller | Oct 13, 2014

I grew up in a family of sports enthusiasts.  My dad was one of those all season athletes, my brother and sister each found a sport or sports they loved, and to some extent continue to this day. Even my mom, a basketball player in high school when being tall was not a requirement for the game, would play “HORSE” against one of the high school basketball stars and beat him. As the least athletically gifted in the family, I learned early that I am a pretty good spectator. Not a great one, but a good one, and I don’t discriminate in my support. Sure, I have favorite sports to watch, and ones I understand a bit better than others, but I’m routinely able to support just about any team or athlete that captures my attention. Don’t tell anyone, but sometimes I even watch extreme sports on T.V. It’s like a foreign language, but such wild fun.

To the diehard spectator there is nothing more exciting than watching a team or an athlete strive to reach the pinnacle of their sport. It’s easy to get drawn into the experience. At the same time it’s almost physically painful to watch when a team or individual comes so close, but doesn’t get to their goal. There is nothing wrong with not wining, but only one can get that blue ribbon. There is honor in striving to do our best, and a confidence that comes from accepting we will not always be the star at everything we do. It’s okay, because we can appreciate the process, and we know what we have achieved. The mountain top can be a place of accomplishment, but it may also be a place of reflection. The mountain top is often just one more stop on our journey, and our journey continues our whole life.

Remember the old Coke ad with a group of young people singing about teaching the world to sing and buying everyone a coke? http://www.coca-colacompany.com/videos/id-like-to-buy-the-world-a-coke-commercial-1971  If I picture that ad in my mind I see the people on the grassy slope of the mountain, well it was more like a hill, but it was sunny and breezy and they all looked so happy and peaceful as they sang and looked out over the world. Jesus found comfort in the mountains even though He had been tempted there. He preached from the mountain slopes, and He prayed from the mountains. For Him the mountains offered tranquility and peace. He could retreat to the mountains without losing sight of all that surrounded him. A mountain top offers a view like no other. A mountain top can be very personal, and reaching the top will mean something different to each person. Some feel they keep climbing only to slide back down. Some are encouraged because they know their mountain is still there for them to climb, when they are ready.

We are all on a journey, and some of us are currently climbing our mountains. Some trained a lifetime for this moment, just like a star athlete. Others are trying to climb out of a valley for a new view of our world from a higher place. Still others are continuing a climb of a lifetime. One thing is certain. Even if we are not the first to reach the top, or the fastest, or even the strongest, when you get to your mountain top God will be there with you. He gives support, comfort, or maybe a high five, but He will be there. He has been watching, comforting, cheering, sharing pain, and supporting you on your climb and will continue to do so, for as long as the journey takes.

Have a great week!  :o)    Linda