Mount Meru
I watched a documentary the other day.* It was about these crazy mountain climbers who attempted to climb the uncharted Mount Meru. They slept on the side of a cliff inside nothing more than some poles and tent material as avalanches fell around them. One man suffered a stroke and kept going in order to make it to the top. They ate a few tablespoons of frozen couscous and came down resigned to a temporary wheelchair and trench foot. What in the world possesses people to do these things? And not just once! I've always been fascinated by these kinds of movies. Something about the death-defying adventure seeking gives me that weird pit in my stomach. I admire these seemingly fearful men and women, and yet I have no desire to follow in their footsteps (or their carabiner lines).
A few thoughts came to mind as I reflected on this thrill-seeking life: every human, at one point, desires to reach the top of their own peak. This may not just be a physical peak. How we attempt to get there, matters. And what we do on the mountaintop is on display for all to see.
We are born wanting to be higher. It's human nature to attempt to climb. I don't think this is a bad thing. God designed us to seek Him. Naturally, we look up. We try to ascend to gain approval, whether it's through status, job title, fame, or fortune. Fortunately, or unfortunately for some, we will never find fulfillment in those peaks. God wants us to climb our mountains. He wants us to see all the beauty He created for us. His creation is begging to be explored. Our lives contain some of the most intense trails leading directly to His heart. We can keep trying our best to climb and become our own heroes at the top, or we can rest in the fact that God paved the way for us to touch the sky through His Son. We still have to ascend the mountain of life, but what lies at the top is not a throne for us to stay and reign. Rather, it is a view of many other peaks yet to be climbed and all the valleys below. Valleys containing many other people. Hurting people. People trying to just get a glimpse of hope. So as we stand upon the mountaintop, we can take a breath and appreciate the view. But God asks us to descend once again and be His sherpas for the other adventure seekers.
My most favorite realization from this whole reflection time was the idea that one day, God will make a new heaven and a new earth. One day we will be free to climb all the mountains in the world without fear. We will be able to sit atop the steepest apex and look around basking in His creation with no tears, sadness, or people stuck in the valleys. How amazing of a picture is that?
Revelation 21:1,5 - Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
Engage the Kiddos -
Activity: Take a hike. Find a small hill or go up to the mountains (if accessible). Discover new things as a family.
Read: Exodus 19-20
Discuss:
Was it hard to climb?
Was the view worth the climb?
How do you think Moses's climb was rewarding? How was it hard?
Reiterate: God invites us to climb our mountains with His help.
*Meru is a documentary on Netflix (not suitable for young children)
A few thoughts came to mind as I reflected on this thrill-seeking life: every human, at one point, desires to reach the top of their own peak. This may not just be a physical peak. How we attempt to get there, matters. And what we do on the mountaintop is on display for all to see.
We are born wanting to be higher. It's human nature to attempt to climb. I don't think this is a bad thing. God designed us to seek Him. Naturally, we look up. We try to ascend to gain approval, whether it's through status, job title, fame, or fortune. Fortunately, or unfortunately for some, we will never find fulfillment in those peaks. God wants us to climb our mountains. He wants us to see all the beauty He created for us. His creation is begging to be explored. Our lives contain some of the most intense trails leading directly to His heart. We can keep trying our best to climb and become our own heroes at the top, or we can rest in the fact that God paved the way for us to touch the sky through His Son. We still have to ascend the mountain of life, but what lies at the top is not a throne for us to stay and reign. Rather, it is a view of many other peaks yet to be climbed and all the valleys below. Valleys containing many other people. Hurting people. People trying to just get a glimpse of hope. So as we stand upon the mountaintop, we can take a breath and appreciate the view. But God asks us to descend once again and be His sherpas for the other adventure seekers.
My most favorite realization from this whole reflection time was the idea that one day, God will make a new heaven and a new earth. One day we will be free to climb all the mountains in the world without fear. We will be able to sit atop the steepest apex and look around basking in His creation with no tears, sadness, or people stuck in the valleys. How amazing of a picture is that?
Revelation 21:1,5 - Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. 5 And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!”
Engage the Kiddos -
Activity: Take a hike. Find a small hill or go up to the mountains (if accessible). Discover new things as a family.
Read: Exodus 19-20
Discuss:
Was it hard to climb?
Was the view worth the climb?
How do you think Moses's climb was rewarding? How was it hard?
Reiterate: God invites us to climb our mountains with His help.
*Meru is a documentary on Netflix (not suitable for young children)
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