Striving

Since making my move to Arizona almost two years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to hike several of the surrounding mountains. One of my favorite hikes was Camelback. I have a little booklet that describes all of the hikes in the region and Camelback was listed as a moderately difficult hike. All I have to say is "Liar, Liar pants on fire." Try hardest hike in the valley.

Everything was going just fine and dandy until I approached a certain section about 20 minutes into the climb. If you have hiked there, you know what I mean. Suddenly man-made steps give way to an almost vertical rock face with a handle bar running up the center. I think I began laughing when I saw what was to come. I crawled up on my hands and feet, eating dirt the entire way.

I am proud to say I made it up not only the initial ascent, but the rest of the mountain. Every time I stopped for a “camera break" (read: catch my breath before I die) I kept thinking the end should be right around the corner. No matter how hard my breathing became or how much my legs wanted to stop, I pushed on because I had my eyes on a goal. I wanted to hit the summit and get that view of the city, to say I had finished what we started.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians writes, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.” (NLT) It’s a great reminder for me when I want to get distracted in my own spiritual journey. I’m still climbing, I’m not finished, but I’ve got to keep the goal in mind.

Remember - none of us are perfect. We can keep trying, but our best hope is to press into the One who was Perfection for us!

This weekend - week #3 of Case Closed! Keep your eyes out for another guest star in this episode, and feel free to speak to Fernando in a French accent every time you see him!

Striving - Ginger