“I am convinced that the jealous, the angry, the bitter and the egotistical are the first to race to the top of mountains. A confident person enjoys the journey, the people they meet along the way and sees life not as a competition. They reach the summit last because they know God isn’t at the top waiting for them. He is down below helping his followers to understand that the view is glorious where ever you stand.” ~ Shannon L. Alder
Now, before you sports’ enthusiasts and mountain climbers out there attack me, I did not select the quote today to knock the competitors out there. I think you will be able to agree with me that there are competitors and there are COMPETITORS. There are those who are so hyper-focused on competing and winning, of beating everyone else, that you can imagine them having very little fun or enjoying anything along the way. To them, the ultimate goal — the finish line, the mountain peak, the gold medal — is all that counts.
There is a whole host of things that people miss when they hyper-focus. I believe that is what Alder is saying. Alder reminds us that God is present to all of His people at all times in all places and that we do not have to compete for His love, affection, and attention. He is on the mountain top. He is also at the base of the mountain. He is also every step along the way up the mountain. He is in the grandeur of the vistas that can be seen ascending the mountain. He is in the people we meet, we pass, or who pass us.
When we become too fixated on one goal only, we miss the God who is ever-present. We do not see His beauty all around us. We can become sad, or lonely, or depressed. We can give up, believing that He is not available to us. It is a sad existence not to see the Lord in every moment of our lives.
God is present where you stand. He is sitting next to you as you read this reflection today. Actually, He’s smiling at you and holding His arms out for you to embrace Him. He longs for you to recognize Him and to accept His love.
What’s stopping you? Is the competition of life so frenetic that you have forgotten to look for Him? Open your mind and your heart right now and you will find Him — right where you stand.
FAITH ACTION: Ask the Lord to give you grace to recognize His presence throughout your day.