As I travel in the western parts of our great country, I am always amazed at how the pioneers moving west in wagons could make it up the mountains with no real roads or even paths to follow. Once at the top of a mountain you turn the bend and start the decent, the wide valleys open before you and you are in awe. Some years ago I made the trip from New York City to Phoenix driving a 28-foot rental truck loaded to the roof. Being an inexperienced truck driver, I found myself crawling up some of the steep grades through New Mexico and Arizona. Many times I felt sure that the truck was about to stall out and I almost panicked for fear that I would not be able to start the truck without rolling back down the mountain. On this trip I often had the occasion to question my driving ability. It became clear that the experienced truck driver moved up the mountain, though with difficulty, with a steady confident speed. My inexperience allowed me to have moments of sheer panic. Experience brings confidence while inexperience brings lack of trust in one’s own ability.

Yet, when both the experienced driver and me, the inexperienced, came over the crest of the mountain our breath was taken away at the majestic view of the valleys below.

We all have mountains to climb. Some of us bring more experience and skill to the tasks of life than others. Some of us move forward with confidence; some with timid caution. Yet, it is the same reward that awaits each of us. Let us not fear our mountains. Let us anticipate the grandeur of the view that awaits us.