Climbing ...

I was privileged enough to climb out Table Mountain yesterday.  What an experience!  It was a perfect day with an absolutely beautiful view.

As a group we undertook the Platteklip Gorge trail.  We were told that it is the most difficult trail, but being young (and in our minds ALWAYS knowing better), feeling self assured and brave we decided that Platteklip Gorge was no match for us.  Little did we know …

While climbing, I found myself being tired, discouraged, in pain, thirsty and out of breath.  Each step became a whole new challenge.

Upon reaching the top, a whole hour and 45 minutes later, I was overwhelmed by the moment.  Nothing could compare.  I did it!!  I reached the top of what seemed to be a never-ending trail.  The view was breathtaking.  All tiredness, discourages, and pain disappeared. 

About a hour later, we decided to start descending.  Another great experience on its own.  I can remember almost reaching the road at the bottom of the trail and thinking to myself that climbing this mountain was a lot like life.  We start our journey feeling self assured and brave, but along the way we are thrown into certain situations where we feel tired, discouraged, in pain, thirsty and out of breath.  Although the trail of life seems never-ending, we learn valuable lessons out of each step, forming our character along the way. 

Will I do the trail again?  I am proud to give you a definite yes!