The Pastor’s Blog – WORTH THE EFFORT
It was “Santa Clause” (that’s what we called him) who told us about Christie Falls. He gave us some vague directions, and thanks to the help of Google and the posts of others who went before us we found the falls.
This hike included a 2 km stroll down a gravel road which was less than inspiring. We were almost ready to turn around and head home when we saw signs that told us we were on the right path. The path now headed straight up the hill through the trees via a winding, narrow trail.
Now that trail was beautiful! It followed the creek and featured several breathtaking waterfalls. Finally we found a majestic water fall that spanned over forty feet and was at least fifty feet high. Surely this was the water fall we had come to see. Then we noticed a log bridge with a rope handrail, which a previous hiker had noted in his post as the way to the real Christie Falls. We crossed the bridge, and climbed one more ridge, and there they were: Christie Falls. They were beautiful. (spoiler: the picture is not the main falls – you have to climb up and see them for yourself!)
I thought about the journey to the falls. It was not easy, and we were huffing and puffing by the time we reached the falls. But it was worth it, and we did not think again of the difficulty of the climb once we saw the falls. It was worth the effort!
Our spiritual journey is no walk in the park either! There are things to overcome, enemies to face and conquer (spiritual), as well as the call to discipline and surrender. The enemy wants to make the trail look harder than it is, and many shy away before really starting to climb. Others get tired and turn back. Still others simply lose sight of what lies ahead – seeing the glory of Jesus – and quit.
But those who press on and reach the goal always say, “It was worth the effort.” For instance, the Apostle Paul put it this way:
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
(translation: It was worth the effort!)
– Pastor Gary