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Newsletter Article

"The Goal of Being Ever Prayerful"

October 16, 2016

An Experience Like No Other

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By: JR Jandayan

 

Recently, Shekaina Ingrid Diaz and I were able to join a group who went on a hike on Mt. Daraitan, located in the province of Tanay, Rizal. The experience was strenuous and tiring, but totally exhilarating and fulfilling. There were countless times that we felt like giving up because we felt like our bodies could no longer endure the strain. However, even in the midst of the tempting idea of giving up the hike, we learned a handful of things that helped us conquer and push through in reaching the top of the mountain. This experience of mountain climbing made us realize two valuable lessons that have a lot in common with the struggles that we may go through in our daily lives.

 

PLANT YOUR FEET IN GOD’S WORD FIRST BEFORE TAKING THE NEXT STEP

The trail going both up and coming down the mountain varied: sometimes it was very muddy and slippery, sometimes there were huge chunks of rock that required you to use your bare hands, but most of the time it was a combination of both. Because of the terrain it was very important that we secured each and every step we made, and that our feet were first firmly planted on steady ground. We literally learned this the hard way, because most of the bumps and bruises we got came from countless slips and falls that were consequences of not first securing our feet on the ground before taking a step. Just like in life, the struggles that we all go through may vary in different stages of our lives. There will be difficulties that will make us stumble and fall if we are not grounded in the Word of God. Even the Gospel (Luke 18:1) today reminds us to always pray because in doing so, we are planting our feet on steady ground. When we take the next step we know that even if we fall, the Lord is always there to catch us and lift us up.

 

THE TOP IS NOT AS GRAND AS WE THINK IT IS, BUT IT’S STILL GOING TO BE GREAT

It took us about 3 hours to reach the peak of the mountain. During the last assault (approximately 15 minutes before reaching the summit) the adrenaline, excitement and desire of seeing the breathtaking view from the top and feeling the cold rush of fresh air gave us the energy to push through. But our anticipation was unfounded. The summit was small, it was not breezy, and the view was limited. Possibly it’s the same in life. We work so hard trying to reach the top thinking that when we are finally there, everything will be perfect; but so often we are not contented with what we see at the top, and we desire still more. Our eyes were opened and we learned a valuable lesson: sometimes reaching the top won’t be as grand as we hope it will be, but it’s still going to be great! Indeed it was, because we shared each other’s struggle in climbing the mountain, and we can say that our relationship grew stronger because of that. Just like in life, the relationships we build along the way, whether with Christ, family or friends, are far more important than reaching the top. What’s the use of seeing a breathtaking view if you’re alone, anyway?

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