I stood at the foot of a cliff in my dream
it seemed an impossible climb
but this is what I knew I had been assigned
the goal was the top and I could not stop
until I had reached it
the only question was how
as I surveyed the rugged face of it
I considered the cost and how much would be lost
if, having ascended perhaps a little, I lost my grip
life would be ripped from me
at the end of the short trip to the bottom
and there would be no second chances.
As I reckoned with these facts I glanced
around, looking for options.
Off to one side there was a narrow way
and I knew that few would find it
there was a magnetism about it and a still small voice behind it
so I left the rubble where so many dreams have gone to die
and approached the trailhead instead.
On this path I found myself meandering
I found others doing the same thing
I found peace in sights otherwise unseen
and gathered resources I somehow knew I would need
at the top.
As I ascended I began to understand that
I certainly could have attempted to smash my stubborn will against the face of the mountain
until either it surrendered or I was ended
but that kind of living lacks grace; it is sink or swim
but on the trail where Jesus walks and I am linked to Him
by the voice behind me saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”
I find faith and trust activated, I find hope and there is no stopping it.
When I reached the top I found myself strengthened, not exhausted
I found that I had gathered resource and relationship I had needed
not a notch on my belt from flying solo into the breech heedless of danger
reckless and fearful and open to bitter anger.
I found too that it was entirely possible that the meandering path
actually got me to the objective quicker than I might have been able
on that sheer face of rock, risking being smashed to bits on the rubble below.
And I reflected that it’s worth it to consider the character of God
when wrestling your options in this life
because sometimes He does indeed call us to impossible odds and certain death
but sometimes He just wants to take us on a walk and show us some stuff we need
to be able to proceed. How to know the difference?
I couldn’t tell you for sure; all I know is that there is grace in the waiting.