My family and I had the privilege of calling West Virginia home for the better part of twelve years over two different periods of time. West Virginia is, without question, an undeniably beautiful state. The mountains and the valleys, the small towns and untouched wilderness, the rivers, creeks, and waterfalls all provide sites that are beautiful beyond words. It is a place that truly must be experienced to be fully appreciated. One of our favorite recreational activities during our time in “the Mountain State” was hiking. On one occasion, upon the recommendation of a friend, we decided to attempt a trail with a “must see” view. We were warned that it contained some steep inclines, but that it was nothing too difficult.
We set out early one morning to conquer the trail and experience the view. We parked our car at the trail-head, which just happened to be at the top of a hill. The beginning of the hike was very nice. It was a smooth and steady downhill walk. We reached the bottom without exerting too much energy, so as we looked at the uphill climb on the other side we were undaunted. We steadily continued our march as we made our way up the mountain. With some effort, and moderate complaining from our children, we crested the top of the hill and there before us was an undeniably beautiful view. We could look out and see a winding river making its way through the valleys. We could see a few small towns along the way. We could see birds gently floating in the breeze. It was magnificent. We took it all in for a good while and then began our return trip.
As I stared up the mountain before me I began to question whether the experience on the mountaintop was worth the effort it took to get there.
Once again, the walk down the hill wasn’t terribly difficult, but as we continued making our way down the slope of one mountain, the slope of the mountain on the other side began to grow. As we reached the valley floor a flood of despair washed over me as I realized with all the work that was behind us, there was another mountain to climb. As I stared up the mountain before me I began to question whether the experience on the mountaintop was worth the effort it took to get there. As I look back on it today, I can say that it was, without question, worth it. But, in the moment and in the immediate aftermath, I had serious reservations.
In Matthew 17, we read the story of Jesus’ transfiguration. Jesus takes a hike with three of his closest disciples, and as they get high up on the mountain, Jesus shows them who He is and gives them a glimpse of His glory. Peter suggests they set-up camp, but the moment quickly passes and soon we find them making their way back down the hill. The most encouraging part of that story is the same Jesus that was revealed on the mountaintop walked with them back down the hill. The same power and glory that worked at the peak was present with them in the valley.
We must remember that the God who revealed Himself on the peak is traveling with us into the valley.
As we walk with Jesus, He blesses us with many different mountaintop experiences. We faithfully pray and pursue Him, and though it may take great effort, eventually we crest the top of the hill and we catch a glimpse of God’s glory. We experience a piece of who He is and what He is doing in the world. The moment, however, eventually passes and we must continue on our way. We find ourselves energized by the moment and joyfully make our way back down, grateful for what God has done. At some point, the excitement wears off and as the shadow of the next mountain rises we are tempted to become discouraged. The issue isn’t the valley, it is the uphill climb to the next mountaintop. In those moments we must reflect and remember the mountaintop. We must remember that the God who revealed Himself on the peak is traveling with us into the valley. While the “must see” moment is behind us, the God who created the moment is with us and He will reveal Himself again.
