Recently my daughter and I visited my son and daughter-in-law who live on Oahu. The first "adventure" my son choose for us was a hike to the top of Diamondhead. For this out-of-shape writer, I was a little doubtful that I'd make it to the top.During the rocky and uneven path, I kept my gaze focused on each step. My son and daughter's encouraging words kept me going. Whenever I huffed and puffed and needed to sit my son would say, "Mom, the view from the top is worth it."
The rest breaks and the encouragement gave me the motivation to press on. Before long, my gaze shifted from the uneven path at my feet to the world around. It was amazing to see how far I'd climbed and the view from each stopping point. Something I would have missed had I only focused on the climb and stepping in just the right spot.
Also knowing that a rest break was "just around the bend" helped to keep me going.
As I absorbed the striking blues of the ocean and sky, the greens of the lush mountains, and the contrast of the skyscrapers of Waikiki and Honolulu from the top of Diamondhead, the discomfort I'd experience to get up there was instantly forgotten.
Climbing to the top of that crater reminded me of the importance of giving and getting encouragement. Too often in our Christian walk, we forget to enjoy the journey by resting with our brothers and sisters. We also miss the opportunity to encourage them with reminders that the view from the top is worth it.
During the hike down, whenever I encountered someone sitting on a bench laboring to catch their breath, I couldn't resist stopping to say, "The view is worth it, keep going."
Is there someone in your life that needs encouragement today?
