Climb Every Mountain

It happened every summer.  It's a tradition.  One that continues to this day.  Every camper, former camper, staffer, former staff, is invited to come forward at the end of closing program to sing the song together.  To remember the lessons of camp.  To inspire others as you walk out the door, leaving the safety and seclusion of Camp Crestridge, going back into the world beyond.  I wonder what it was like to sit in the audience and hear three to four generations singing that song.  I wonder if it felt anything like what I felt last night when watching The Sound of Music Live!  The movie with Julie Andrews has always been my favorite, but I've never picked up on the spiritual significance of the story until last night.  Maybe it's because I'm older and I've climbed a few mountains.  Maybe it's because of Audra McDonald's performance as the Reverend Mother.  I'm not sure what it was, but last night, something was different.  I was moved to tears.  Sobbing tears.  Tears that won't stop, even as I type this right now.

I don't know if I ever really stopped to think about what the words to the song really mean.  I think I just sung them.  I never really stopped and let them sink in.  But as I reflect on the place that gave that song such significance in my life, I am thankful for the people there who prayed this prayer over my life, who helped me understand the importance of never being satisfied with mediocrity, even though I probably didn't realize the timeliness of their message.  I used to think everyone had someone in their life constantly telling them these things, constantly encouraging them, constantly cheering them on.  I was so blessed to have many people in my life who have done that for me.  Maybe my tears today come from the realization that many people don't have them.  No one is there to encourage them to work hard.  No one is there to tell them they are talented and they have a lot to offer.  No one is there to give them that little push of encouragement.  How could I have so many when many have no one? I am overwhelmed.  I think this song could be made into a wonderful children's book.  And here's the message.

Climb every mountain:
Life is hard.  Many days it's going to feel like an uphill battle.  There will be times you climb with vigor and excitement.  There will be days when each step is a struggle.  But know that the top of the mountain is worth it.  The view will make the climb seem like nothing in comparison.  And remember, it's rare for a mountain to stand alone.  There are very few singular mountains.  Most of the time, when you get to the top of one mountain, another one is waiting in the distance.  And that's okay.  Climb it just like you did the others.  One step at a time.  And don't be afraid to ask for help.  There will be other climbers who pass by that can reach out and pull you on.  Just as you will be there to reach out and help someone else.

Search high and low:
We don't like to search.  Think about the last time you misplaced something.  The search for it was probably not a pleasant experience.  The search may have made you late for something.  It may have caused you to have to switch gears and change plans.  These are not pleasant feelings.  But think about the last time you participated in an Easter Egg Hunt, especially when there were prize eggs.  The search was fun!  You were probably determined.  If only we could search ourselves and our lives that way and not look at the search as something dreadful.

Follow every byway:
The dictionary defines a byway as a secluded, private, or obscure road.  Life will definitely take you down these roads.  And your first instinct might be to turn around.  Your fear may lead you to believe this isn't safe.  But don't let your fear overtake you.  Trust the Lord to make straight your path.  Trust Him as you explore the byways of life.  And remember, you never really walk alone.  Think about roads that are labeled scenic byways.  We have several in the area of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  These roads are usually two-lane, winding, paths with some of the most beautiful views.  Enjoy the byways.  Learn from them.  Don't get upset if someone in front of you is going too slow and blocking your way.  Stop and smell the roses.  Just take everything in.  Stop at the scenic overlooks and enjoy the view.  Marvel at the mountains you've climbed already, and thank God for the mountains that still lie ahead.

Every path you know:
There's more to life than mountains.  There are familiar roads that conjure up feelings of safety and happiness.  (The road up to Camp Crestridge is one of these for me.)  Follow them.  Let those roads remind you of home, of safety, of harmony.

Ford every stream:
A ford is a place in the river or body of water where it is shallow enough to cross by wading.  To ford a stream is the cross at a ford.  Don't be afraid to get your feet wet.  Jump in.  Trust God to guide your steps.  Streams do exist, not to keep you from the other side, but to drive you on to the other side. Also, make wise decisions.  Crossing a river at its deepest part with rolling rapids is often a dangerous choice.  This doesn't mean you take the easy way out or you are lazy.  It means that it's important to know what you can handle.  Know your skills.  Know your limitations.  And constantly seek ways to overcome those limitations.  Sometimes, that involves getting your feet wet and exploring.  Sometimes that involves falling down a slippery bank.  Sometimes it simply involves perseverance to keep searching for the place the river fords and to never give up.  Never let the stream keep you from the other side.

Follow every rainbow:
There are also beautiful rainbows.  Many want to follow rainbows because of the legendary pot of gold waiting at the end.  But if you follow rainbows with this intent, you will be disappointed.  To follow rainbows is to trust in God's promises.  That's what a rainbow is, right?  God's promise.

Til you find your dream:
A passion very rarely just presents itself.  It must be discovered.  For it's in the discovery that the passion becomes just that.  


A dream that will need all the love you can give, every day of your life, for as long as you live:
Feed your passion.  Continue to dream dreams.  Surround yourself with people who will encourage you.  And find someone you can encourage.  Love your passion.  Spend time pursuing it.  Spend time learning all that you can.  Immerse yourself.  Find ways to use your passion to glorify God.  Don't give up!  Press on!



Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39



So climb every mountain. Search high and low.  Follow every byway.  Every path you know.  Climb every mountain.  Ford every stream.  Follow every rainbow.  'Til you find your dream.  A dream that will need all the love you can give, everyday of your life, for as long as you live.  Climb every mountain.  Ford every stream.  Follow every rainbow.  Til you find your dream!