Mountaintop Reflections

DateLine (8/2/06 – Ponce, PR)

The steep rocky trail narrowed as we approached the summit. The cool dry air delighted the lungs as we anticipated what lay around the next bend. As we crested the last knoll the basin below unfurled like an artist canvas. The Grand Tetons to our back, Jenny Lake below us, and the valley that is Jackson’s Hole stretched out as far as the eye could see. For a brief moment Inspiration Point had vanquished the burdens of life. Two weeks ago Harriett, Kyle and I experienced the “mountain top” on our vacation in Wyoming.

The mountaintop inspires and transforms. Some of the most significant events recorded in the bible, occurred on the mountaintop; the receiving of the Ten Commandments, the Transfiguration, the Sermon on the Mount, John’s vision of the New Jerusalem. The gaze from the top can be intoxicating. While contemplating our own vacation experience the reality became apparent.

It’s cold on top. There are no provisions for the sustenance of life up there; we have to carry it with us. The top is small by definition essentially rendering the experience a personal experience or at best only to be experienced by a small group. The air is thin at the top to the degree that supplemental oxygen is required for the extreme altitudes. The mountaintop by definition is a short term experience. Consider the contrast. Life is sustained by the produce of the valley. Water reserves are stored in the valley. The valley is designed for life; that is where people live.

The intoxicating effect of the mountaintop high has the power to create an unhealthy lifelong obsession with returning to or camping out at the top. If we’re not careful we can find ourselves so fixated on securing the proverbial “mountaintop experience” that we render ourselves of no consequence in the valley. Our purpose is fulfilled in the valley where people live. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional trek to “inspiration point,” God does not begrudge us the refreshment. He created the mountains and the reflection of His majesty in the creation is the dynamic that we instinctively are drawn to.

Our life’s work is in the valley. The hearts of those who toil in the valley long for the mountaintop. The purpose of the mountaintop is to refresh us for the work of the valley.

Let the people of [the valley] sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops. Isa. 42:11

Linger, pray, shout, absorb; and then to the work.