With my Norfolk pen pal, I stayed at a local Christian Guest House where we met a lovely Irish couple. They were engaged but took the phrase, “Owe no man anything” from Romans 13 verse 8 literally as they didn’t believe in having a mortgage so were saving to buy their first home before getting married. I hope they achieved their desire though present prices would be a greater challenge. The quote is taken from the phrase “Owe no man anything, but to love one another, for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law”.
So, relying on the weather forecast we set out for Snowdon, in the sunshine and, though dressed inappropriately (who thought it would be cold at the top?) started our walk/climb up the well-worn path. I recall that about halfway up we came across a refreshment hut and decided to have a rest and a cup of Bovril (there are other beverages). We so enjoyed our rest and drink that we briefly considered refills but thought we should wait until our descent. That rest stop was possibly a bad decision and the four of us struggled to get going again, though by encouraging each other we gradually reached the summit, and the view was spectacular.
The descent was much more fun as my Norfolk friend thought we should run down the railway track. Though not recommended, we enjoyed it so much that we completely missed the refreshment hut and spent a long time at the base waiting for our Irish friends to meet with us again.
As I recall that event from years ago, I am reminded of many Bible passages. The apostle Paul talks of “pressing on” and Jesus encouraged his followers “to rest a while”. An old song from years ago used the phrase, “It is not an easy road we are travelling to heaven”.
Shortly after putting my thoughts on paper, I attended a service on what was called Transfiguration Sunday that included the familiar Bible passage that is recorded by three of the four gospel writers. Included in the service was a hymn – “How good, Lord, to be here”. I had not sung it before but the final verse states –
How good, Lord, to be here.! Yet we may not remain, But since you bid us leave the mount, come with us to the plain.
This is an apt reminder that mountaintop experiences, even with clouds, are often followed by “plain” realities and the need for the Lord’s presence with us, Psalm 23 verse 4.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask you to guide us as pilgrims on our journey and grant us wisdom in every decision we make. AMEN.