Descending the Mountain
Recently Sandee and I took a class of 12 year old girls on a short mountain hike as part of their class retreat. As we prepared to descend the mountain, Sandee addressed the girls and informed them that more accidents occur going down the mountain than going up. She appealed to them to take their time and watch their steps. As I listened attentively, I reflected on descending mountain top experiences.
Just as the Transfiguration marked a pinnacle of spiritual revelation, it also carries valuable lessons about the descent from such transformative encounters. Here are some of my reflections on navigating the descent from our own mountain top experiences:
Integration into Life: Like Peter, James, and John descending from the mountain, we must integrate the insights gained during our moments of clarity into our daily lives. This requires conscious effort to apply the lessons learned and live out our faith authentically. I thought of the girls retreat. Would they take their insights back to school and home? Or would it just remain a good experience?
Community: The Transfiguration involved not only Jesus but also his disciples. Similarly, we are not meant to journey alone. Sharing our experiences with a supportive community can provide accountability, encouragement, and perspective as we navigate life's valleys. The girls experienced the retreat as a class. Would they support and remind each other of the wonderful lessons they learnt on the retreat? Do we share our mountain top experiences with family and friends, so they can act as a support group?
Service: Jesus' descent from the mountain led him to continue his ministry of healing and teaching among the people, as he made his way to Jerusalem. Likewise, our spiritual experiences should propel us towards serving others with compassion and love, using our gifts and talents for the betterment of society.
Faithfulness: Despite the challenges that may follow our mountain top experiences, remaining faithful to our convictions and the guidance received is crucial. Trusting in God's presence as we walk on, sustains us through both mountain top experiences and the valleys below.
Please God, give us courage, joy and faith as we descend the mountains of our lives, knowing that even in the valleys your divine grace continues to shine brightly as a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.