Since Jim's passing, Lois has been continuing to write excellent reflections on this journey along with breath prayers. She has consented to allow us to share some with you. Lois is also the core author of one of our newest workbooks: Your Pathways: Strong Connection with God.
Breath Prayer: GUIDE
Lois Hoogeveen
July 29, 2012
I can’t do this. That’s how I felt a number of
years ago when we hiked to the top of Harney Peak, the highest summit in
the United States east of the Rocky Mountain. As we made our ascent up the
trail I would look ahead, hoping that when we got to the top of the next
hill we would be at the peak. Time after time I saw a stretch of the path
leveling off or even going downhill, only to turn into a steeper gradient. I
stopped frequently to catch my breath, mop the perspiration off my forehead and
drink more water. My husband waited patiently with me, encouraged me and
cheered me onward. You can do it, he told me as we inched our way
upward. Many times I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. I kept going. Alone I would
have lost my way. Surrounded by people I trusted, I just needed to follow in
their footsteps. I was so relieved when I finally looked up and saw the peak,
where our friends, who made it to the top ahead of me, were cheering me upward.
Imagine the ecstasy I felt when I joined the others for a group picture at the
summit.
It is a good thing I did not know what was still ahead. We
took a different trail back to the base. Unknown to any of us, this trail was
more challenging than the one we had taken to the top. Sections of the path
were narrow and rocky. We had to be careful so we did not lose our footing and
slide down the rocks. As I made the steep descent, my toes pushed against the
ends of my shoes, causing excruciating pain. Many times I wondered why I
thought I could do this. I sat on a log to rest. That’s when I saw it -- the
Cathedral Spires of the Black Hills standing in their glory against the
brilliant blue sky. I beheld God’s creation in a perspective I would not have
seen from any other spot. Things did get easier, and I felt an incredible sense
of accomplishment when I was finally back at the base. I did it! I
climbed Harney Peak!
Life has many I did it moments that we can and should
look back on with joy and feelings of fulfillment. Many of them begin as I
can’t do this experiences. The situations that are the greatest challenges
often turn into the greatest memories. One often has another person to thank
for turning an I can’t do this experience into an I did it
experience. What I did it moments do you remember and celebrate? Who
were the people who helped you make what you thought impossible possible?
Our journey on earth could be compared to hiking a mountain
trail. We do not all take the same path. It takes some people longer than
others to reach the summit. Far from level and straight, our life trail
often includes life’s trials. The pathway of life has twists and turns, ascents
and descents. There is beauty all around us as we travel through life. We need
to intentionally look for these blessings.
The trail I started on years ago when I met my husband is
now “closed” and I have been rerouted to an alternate road. The last months
have been rugged as I walked along the path of firsts and lasts, of embracing
new and releasing old. I’ve said I can’t do this. Then I hear words that
give me strength, hope and courage to keep going. I have maneuvered
twists and turns. It seems like there is always another hill to climb, another
curve to traverse. Downhill stretches are also challenging. Days when I am no
longer faced with a mountain of must-dos, I find myself descending on the path
of emptiness, aloneness, uncertainty, confusion. Where is this path leading?
What is going to be around the next curve? How long and how far is it? At times
it feels like the road will never level off. And maybe it won’t. Alone, I would
lose my way. But I have a Great Sherpa, a trustworthy Guide, and He has
promised to lead me to the very top, to the place where His glory dwells. He
surrounds me with people who encourage and support me as I continue on both
smooth and challenging roads in this world.
I have been asking God to open my eyes to see the pinnacles
of beauty and the array of blessings that surround my life on this new pathway.
The route to the crest might have changed, but my eternal destination has not.
Imagine the ecstasy our loved ones, who arrived at the Heavenly Summit ahead of
us, have already experienced. Imagine our ecstasy on the day when we reach this
pinnacle of glory. On that day we will not say I did it. No, we will say
YOU did it! Our Father planned our earthly walk, Jesus Christ carved out
the path and the Holy Spirit is leading us all the way.
GUIDE You guide me with your counsel, and
afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:24
I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me. John 14:6
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears
will hear a voice behind you saying “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah
30:21
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