The View

The first time I took off walking up the hill from my house, I was surprised. I am an avid walker, so I like to think I am in pretty good shape. But oh man, this hill was a challenge! I found myself huffing and panting long before I made it to the top.

Soon, I had mastered this hill and others in my new neighborhood. Being able to reach the top of my street at last, I decided to challenge myself a bit further. I continued on up the hill, on a street with little else around it but brush.

The first time, I was nervous. I wondered if I was going to make it? I also wondered what was up there? Was I safe? But I wanted to see what the view was like from the top of this hill, so I trudged on.

When I reached the acme, I realized that the edge of the hill was too far from the road, and the view I had anticipated was not in sight. So I found a little trail where the brush was worn down, and bravely took it to the edge. I admit my heart was pounding, as I had no idea what I was walking into. The reward was amazing!! Someone had even built a wooden bench in this little spot, and as I beheld the view, it took my breath away!

Lately, I've noticed that others must be enjoying this hill. There are beer cans, Red Bull cans and other litter carelessly thrown around. This morning I was getting frustrated with all of the trash, but then I looked up. Wow! I was in awe again, as I took in the view before me. The river, the mountains, and the trees...I could see for miles! In the face of such beauty, while feasting my eyes on the glory of creation, the trash at my feet was quickly forgotten.

In that moment, I realized that every day we have a choice. We can focus on all of the litter and all of the bad around us. Or we can choose to look up, gaining a new perspective. I  was also made aware that this is my job...my honor, really...to keep myself trained in looking up and enjoying the view from this glorious perspective; and to remind those around me who have become bogged down by all of the litter around them, to look up as well.

I am going back up the hill right now with some gloves and a trash bag, so I can clean up the litter. This is another privilege in life. In serving, I get to help those around me clean up the litter in their lives so that they are less easily distracted from the beauty of the view.