You see, my husband being the builder and workaholic that he is, had already told me about the steep mountainous terrain where this house was located and so, I had no desire to climb those hills. There is something about looking down while riding in the mountains that give me the ‘willies.’ That’s the quickest term I know to describe my fear. But, perhaps its best described as a sick, nauseating knot in the pit of my stomach that completely grips me on the inside. Can you relate?

Even so, I decided to ride up with him the next morning as a still small voice reminded me that I need to learn to face my fears. We decided that it would probably be best to take my SUV—therefore, enlisting a portion of my comfort zone along for the ride. As I listened to Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin and the Katina’s singing familiar praise songs, it was easy for me to focus. I realized that as long as I kept my eyes looking upward in front of me and not turning to the left or right—I was fine.

Along one winding stretch in our journey, my husband couldn’t help but point out our decent saying, “There’s the house we’re going to up on that hill. Do you see it?” Well, how could I miss it? One short glance revealed the house with clarity, looming at least four stories high—a huge monstrosity sitting right on the edge of a cliff. The wrapping and winding porches caused the house to look more like a hotel from a distance.

We made our decent gently, weaving up and down and round and round. I thought I did really well at keeping my cool and maintaining focus. Even so, once we arrived on top of the mountain, I felt the sting of one lone tear of gratitude building behind my dark glasses. I quickly hopped out of my SUV, smiled widely as I wiped my cheeks and thanked God for safe travel.

Once inside the house I found this quote penned in cursive on an old bench that looked like something plucked right out of the middle of Central Park. I will never forget this trip to the mountains, since I believe God sent me there to bring this nugget of truth back. I felt strongly that God wanted me to use these words of wisdom somewhere and so I texted them into my cell phone to share with you.   Enjoy!

To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,
to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child or a garden patch. To know even one life breathed easier because you lived.
This is success!

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson