We’re surrounded by mountains. Our lives are bounded by peaks and valleys, notches and cliffs. When we look toward the horizon, we read it through the heights and depths of the landscape. Light breaks over it, sinks behind it.
To gain perspective, we can go up those slopes. Or walk down them. The steps along the way also matter, since it’s the journey that shapes us. Yet the destination delivers its own gifts.
Summits promise a chance for respite. They serve as a reminder and opportunity to set ourselves apart with time and distance. To create space to collect and center ourselves. To focus. Or to let go .
Seeking out such places also gives us a sense of proportion. We are in the presence of elements larger than ourselves. More eternal. Without awareness or care for our presence, unchanged by our footsteps on their spines. Yet being there changes us.
Remember that self-care and spiritual wellbeing include break time. Like Christ choosing to leave behind the crowds and take time to pray on the mountain, we can follow this model. Removing ourselves from daily needs and demands. Putting aside schedules and deadlines. Permitting ourselves the chance to grow quiet, whether it’s during the walk up and down the mountain, or lingering at the top.
We are invited to find a time and place to be in the presence of ourselves. We are especially guided to also keep company with the unlimited and eternal: Godself. — Rev Gail
Meditations:
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn. ― John Muir
If you are faced with a mountain, you have several options.
You can climb it and cross to the other side.
You can go around it.
You can dig under it.
You can fly over it.
You can blow it up.
You can ignore it and pretend it’s not there.
You can turn around and go back the way you came.
Or you can stay on the mountain and make it your home.
― Vera Nazarian
Kid, you’ll move mountains. ― Dr. Seuss
Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing. ― Barry Finlay
Challenge or Question: What part of your day, and what space, can you set aside as a sacred place and time to grow quiet, focused, and centered, in communion with self and creator? Make it a practice through Lent to honor the same few moments, in a consistent place if possible, to create this set-apart time.