The Master’s Dialogue

I had always seen the mountain
in the distance
Its peak shrouded in mist,
hidden from my view.
The journey to its foothills was long
lost in delays, distractions, and diversions.
The road that brought me to the mountain
took others away.
The mountain,
even when it did not occupy my attention,
loomed as a presence above me,
unavoidable in its immensity.
Many paths trickled up the elevation.
One beckoned.
I walked.
Others walked with me.
The way led to beautiful clear pools,
sparkling streams, stunning vistas,
ancient forests, and lush green meadows.
Each location offered rest, peace, and refreshment.
Some selected a delightful spot, and stayed.
They exclaimed that their journey was complete
that the purpose of the path
was fulfilled.
They invited me to join them.
I lingered for a while, and found strength and purpose
in both the place and the fellowship.
It seemed so attractive to declare the journey finished
to stay in one place in good company
to be at rest.
But I could not end my pilgrimage
knowing the summit yet lay before me.
I pressed on
when others stopped.
The quiet peace of restful places
gave way to rugged
little traveled trails
steep inclines
boulders bigger than palaces
deep ravines
treacherous drop offs
captivity and death
deceptions, doubts and distractions
deep sorrow.
fellow travelers
falling to destruction, leaving the path, or turning back.
The way converged
and narrowed.
Labor, delay, grinding pace, creeping progress
became the norm.
I longed for the repose
I had left behind
and yet found the way
invigorating and inviting.
Even the deep fatigue
of persistent labor
empowered.
From time to time
I have paused in my climb
and turned to look behind.
I am always surprised by the distance
to the valley below.
Because I traveled where others did not
I now see what others cannot.
Sometimes I cannot tell
if the summit is any closer ahead
but without a doubt
the valley is further below.