Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: MOUNTAIN (07/02/20)
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TITLE: The Ascent | Previous Challenge Entry
By Debra Brand
07/09/20 -
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Why, oh why, did I attempt this climb? What was I thinking? Many times I wanted to turn, to fall back to the beginning, not to start over but to admit defeat and be done.
I worked, sacrificed, and studied most of my life for this way up and here I am.
My progress has been full of slips, slides, ever seeking but never quite arriving. The chasm below me beckons, ‘Just let go. It’s not important. There’s no need to go through this.’
I reach for the next ledge to rest and catch my breath. I survey the wondrous green landscape of the valley below. I have traversed streams, gullies, rocks, and pitfalls to reach this height.
My emotions take over. Vertigo threatens to topple my precarious balance. All I left behind is small and insignificant to this moment in time as I look forward to the wonder awaiting me.
Taking a deep breath, I turn to look at the summit. ‘Can I make it? Will it be worthwhile?’ The taunting voice in my head says, ‘Don’t bother. It’s not too late to give up. You can’t do it.’
Determined, I search for a handhold in the rocky crevice. My eyes cannot see one but my fingers are guided as if by an unseen power. There, there’s the hold.
I force my body upward toward the peak. Crawling, stepping, even groveling my way along I gain ground until I can go no more. I just want to rest.
A cleft in the rock is near. As I slide inside, the words “Strengthen yourself in the Lord” tiptoes through my mind. From the deep, deep part of the hidden chamber of my heart, I gain sustenance.
The day wanes and I sit. Basking in the knowledge I will attain the promise of fulfillment, the urgency is reduced to tranquility. Quiet solitude enables me to hear the still, small voice to lead me onward.
As the golden sun sets to slide behind the ridge, it casts magenta hued rays across the valley bringing the hope of tomorrow inside my soul.
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