All the way from heart-ache valley to perky peak

It happened on a brilliant sunny afternoon. My brother and I were spending a few weeks in the region of the Austrian Alps and we tried to avail ourselves of every opportunity to go and explore valleys and mountains. On this exceptionally beautiful September day we set out with light, happy hearts, intending to make full use of the few brief hours at our disposal.

It was not long before we got to the end of an alpine valley where the only direction to go any further was upwards. Having abandoned the four wheels, now useless, our eyes were drawn irresistably to the heights, the peaks now white after the first snowfall of the approaching autumn.

There must have been someone else at that spot before us who also desired to go upwards - for there was the cable car. All we had to do was to purchase our tickets, declining the "terrestrial attractions" offering their kitsch wares and we were free to board one of the cabins. Ten minutes, and we will have arrived at the top. True, there were three sections to ascend but, as our time was limited, we thought we would be modest and go up just one level. Having got out at the first station however, and even having climbed to the nearest look-out post, all we could see was the enormous amphitheatre of the self same valley. The mountains roundabout were surrounding us like the edge of a vast basin, blocking our view. We walked around for a while but our hearts were aching for the real heights. Reconsidering the time available to us, we eventually decided that the only sensible option on this exceptionally clear day was to disregard everything else under the blue sky and to go on - right up to the very top!

We did not regret our decision. Gliding past a peculiarly shaped, cheerfully perky looking peak, we eventually rose to the height of 3250 meters [about 11.000 feet] - to be met by a breathtaking view. In the crisp September air we could enjoy views for many miles in every direction. Snowy mountains as far as the eye could see. People on skis kept whizzing past us. Our hearts were full of joy at the magnificent sight, and we were filled with praise and gratitude to God who created all this beauty.

Why are we drawn towards the heights? Do we have a strange sensation that we are not earth-bound creatures? Is that why we like such magnificent vistas? Be that as it may, our souls long for the heights even if sometimes we get all absorbed in our earthly existence. Indeed, we cover a lot of ground on this earth, seeking something - anything - to satisfy our souls but all too soon we get to a point where neither feet, nor wheels can take us further.

A voice is calling from the heights, creating an ache, a longing in us. Perhaps we have started to follow that voice when we first heard Jesus' call to us personally - but are we now marking time, stomping around in circles on level ground, instead of aiming higher and higher? Yet, Jesus is drawing our eyes towards those heights and He has even provided a way, become the Way for us to overcome the attraction of terrestrial interests. The means of going upwards are there - all we have to do is to decline the concerns that would hold us back. Can you hear the call? Anyone can meet the condition of boarding a "cabin" because the costs of the facility itself have long since been met by the very one who is calling us. All we need to do is to make the right decision, refusing the deceptive call of all those earthly options and making it our priority to obey the Call.

But how do we board the cabin? Simply by taking a step. By transferring our weight from the earth to the vehicle and entrusting ourselves to it. One foot here and one foot there won't do. Either in, or out!

If we have set out with Jesus on that journey towards heaven, we need not, we must not be content with the minimum. Modesty is falsely placed here. With Him it is possible to go right up to the very top because He has provided the way. All we need to do is to want to go upwards, leaving everything else behind and entrusting ourselves to Him. He is well able to take our full weight. Whatever situation we might find ourselves in on this earth, our full and unconditional trust is the secret of getting closer and closer to him. He opens up perspectives and vistas before us which we cannot begin to imagine as long as we are walking round in circles on this earth. And once we have seen those vistas, even though we will have to come back down again for the time being, life on earth will be easier to live in the light of eternity. - Will you come along? Ready to board? "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

Aniko Williams

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