It was the summer of 2007 and I had just finished six months of chemotherapy treatments. My husband and I as well as the kids were on vacation in the Canadian Rockies. We stopped at Our kids had never been to the back of the lake so we started along the path when we found a sign that mentioned a teahouse in the mountains 5.3 km back along the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. So, with what we had on us, one water bottle each and a few snacks, we headed out on a new venture. It really was a beautiful walk, but as the elevation rose (365 m gain) Albert and I began to struggle.
Many people passed us as we were walking slower, and some of them sensing our struggle tried to encourage us along the way. Still, the rising elevation caused us to exert more effort than we could handle, but thinking we were halfway there we decided to press on to the teahouse where we would rest and get food and water. Eventually many of those who passed us going up the mountain passed us again going down (most of them telling us it was just around the corner), and by this time I needed to rest every few meters. Breathing had become a struggle and it felt like my feet were weighed down by cement. The desire to quit was overwhelming, but we really didn’t have a choice but to go on.
We made it to the teahouse that day, bought (very expensive) food and water, rested up and walked the 5.3 km back to the Hotel. It certainly was much easier going down the mountain! What should have been a four hour trip was a long day of effort to push beyond ourselves. We saw a lot of great scenery, learned many important lessons, (observed and heard an actual avalanche!) and realized we were stronger than we thought. I’ve been thinking about that day and the struggle we went through. The last few weeks have been similar for me in that my body has been struggling to continue ‘moving forward’. It wants to give in, to just stop, but I keep saying ‘no’ and moving forward, albeit slowly. It is difficult to keep my eyes on the Lord but I know He is faithful and true*, and He will stick with me through this time**. The Lord God is my strength (Hab. ) and His grace will be sufficient for me for His strength will cause me to endure. (2 Cor. 12:9)
Lord, I trust in You.
*Heb. 12:2- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…
Rev. 19:11- And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True,
**Heb. 13:5- … for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. KJV