Ben A'an - the effort was worthwhile

I recently enjoyed a great week's holiday in the Trossachs area of Scotland, along with my wife Sue, our daughter Steph, and her fiance Matt. We stayed a few miles from Callander. The weather was fairly good, the midges were few in number, and the scenery was stunning.

Near to where we were staying was a "mini mountain" (or a big hill!) named Ben A'an. One day, all four of us decided that we would climb at least part of the way up Ben A'an. The early part of the route is through forest, so apart from trees etc. there isn't all that much to see. Sue doesn't really like uphill routes, and after a while, with lunchtime approaching, she and I made the decision to head back. Steph and Matt decided that they would press on. Despite the fact that Steph was wearing flip-flops, they did eventually reach the summit.

Steph and Matt returned home a day earlier than Sue and I. After they had set off on their homeward journey, I decided that I would make the attempt up Ben A'an (Sue declined my invitation). The sun was high in the blue skies.

For quite a bit of the journey, the trees hid the outside world from sight. Even when I had cleared the treeline, it was difficult to see the summit. Each time I arrived at what I thought might be the summit, another one appeared in the distance! It was hard work at times, not least because of the heat of the sun. I stopped every now and then to have a break and enjoy the scenery and the atmosphere.

Eventually I did reach the very top, and the stunning views certainly made all the effort worthwhile. To sit at the top of Ben A'an was an experience I won't forget for a long time, and I've got the pictures to prove it! It reminded me that though we have struggles and tough times in our Christian lives, our ultimate destination will make all the effort and hard work absolutely worth it. What's more, we have One who walks every step with us.