Climb Every Mountain

As I sit in the darkened theatre, anticipation wells up inside me. In the hush just prior to the orchestra’s first grand notes, I am drawn back to many years ago when I first experienced this musical as part of the performance’s chorus. The music, memorized as a child, is a part of me and I am easily drawn into this production of my favourite show – The Sound of Music. It is the first time seeing this production live and I sit enthralled as familiar scenes pass before my eyes.

Knowing the storyline well doesn’t take away from my enjoyment. This heartwarming story of a woman’s journey to find where she belongs and the love that entails, is one that always touches me. But something strikes me differently at this particular performance. As the Reverend Mother belts out the song “Climb Every Mountain” chills run up and down my spine. Part of that is due to her spectacular voice and her excellent rendition of the song. But the words of the song are what grip me with a force that almost overwhelms me.

“Follow every rainbow till you find your dream.” I have heard those words and sung them numerous times. Yet, as I listen, I am struck by the thought of how to find my dream.

Too often in my lifetime I have waited for life to come to me. Somehow, I expect that good things will find me. I go even further to think that if I just do things “correctly” that I will be successful and have what is rightfully mine. I remain passive and my expectations are not met.

But life doesn’t just come to us. As the Reverend Mother says to Maria in The Sound of Music – “You have to look for your life.” So, what does this mean as we think about our hopes and dreams?

It’s kind of funny to be thinking about my life’s dreams at my age. Usually, we think of a young people dreaming of what their lives might turn out to be. I think we dream differently at various stages of life. Some dreams last for most of a lifetime – like finding a wonderful spouse; but other dreams are only for a season. It really depends on the time of life.

As I think about finishing my teaching career in not too many years, I wonder what other dreams I should have for the next stage of my life. What mountains should I be climbing? Sometimes, I feel like I am standing on a precipice. I can be brave like the young eagle and take the leap to soar into the skies or I can be a coward and stay in my comfortable nest.

As I ponder these thoughts I find a good example from our Lord. At one point Jesus was coming from Bethany back into the city when He found a barren fig tree by the road. Jesus tells the fig tree that it will bear no more fruit. When the disciples question this act they are told this:

“Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will happen’. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:21-22 NASB)

The whole point of what Jesus is talking about is that it is not our own power that gets things done. If God commands us to do something, He will accomplish it with His power. We do not have the power within ourselves to climb or move mountains. Our task is to trust in God’s power.

It is time for a change to our lines of thought. It is not what mountain should we climb; but where is God directing us? It is not about how we are going to accomplish things; it is about how God will use His power in our lives to accomplish His purposes.

I am not sure at times how that will materialize as the circumstances of my life change. Right now, I am not even sure which mountain to climb, but I trust that God will direct my paths if I seek Him with all my heart. My seeking will not be of any benefit if is not blessed by God. It is He who gives me particular gifts and abilities to use in His kingdom. Not all the mountain climbing will be easy; following our dreams is like that. But with God there to provide His support and love, we can function better and live out our dreams.

Is God nudging you to climb a new mountain? Listen to His still small voice and follow your dreams.

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