The Summit

I'm proud...

Pride.

For the past 2 weeks, I couldn't articulate it. I put my finger on it as I watched UVA when the National Championship today.

They weren't even supposed to be in that game. They overcame so much.

I think that is what I'm feeling but can't say.

Expressing this feeling is abrasive to my inner fiber.

St. Augustine of Hippo (I give you permission to laugh) wrote, "Pride is the commencement of sin."

Naturally, I want to slam the door on that and run to what's behind door #2.

Yet, I can't. It is in this present moment that I must acknowledge, savor, feel, and reflect on this mountainous summit of life I have reached.

At the top, the view is plenty. I can look back, around, and down at the journey just trekked.

Last July, I made a commitment to answer the question of What can I do with God by my side over the next year?

Now, I can see the winding, tireless path I took. I chose.

When reaching the summit of Old Rag (rated extremely strenuous), I often look back with pride at the rock scramble just crossed and internally ask How did I do it? How did I make it?


My soul was attuned.

Coaching field hockey at EVHS (we went from winning 3 to 7 games). Mentoring high schoolers as a Young Life leader. Co-Chairing Relay For Life ($200K+ raised). Teaching extended day. Coaching lacrosse at EVHS (winning season, 2nd in district). Pursuing something very adultish (I'll share in a later blog). Teaching/loving on 22 third grade Smart Cookies (who rocked SOLs).

My soul was joyful.

I would not change the endurance nor the switchbacks of this past year. It was in the brush that I grew the most.

So the pride I feel not only has to do with what has been accomplished on paper this past school year, but the open spirit I had to all the life lessons I learned along the way, appreciation for all the cheerleaders and encouragers, and all the kids elementary to secondary who journeyed with me (I could cry, when did I get sappy?).

Yet, I don't believe this is sinful pride. So, St. Augustine of Hippo don't roll over in your grave or mud bath (I had to).  Everything I did this year was a full discernment of God's will and direction for this needy child of His. Had I not poured into others, I never would have found light of life post-college (John 8:12).  I lived the year praying, that in June, I could answer with a resounding YES! this question Did I use every single talent God gave me?


Warmth. I feel the sunshine. I curl and uncurl my toes. Sweat glistens. There are healed bruises (and fingers). Nature's bandage of a scab heals a skinned leg. Deep breath.

Intrinsically, I powerfully whisper YES! 


I close my eyes. Shut tight.

I have seen God as I looked back on the path journeyed and the past summits reached. He was there. Knitting every nanosecond and decision together for His glory.

Deep breath. I physically shuffle my feet. I face a new direction. I wipe away a runaway drop of sweat.

Wind. It gently cleanses me.

I open my eyes. There. in. the. distance. is the new summit. Higher. Steeper. Just the way I like it.


My dry lips crack as my lips curl into a smile.

I breathe deeply through my nose.

Click. An iconic snapshot of the next summit is mentally framed.

I look down. A new path.

I step forward with faith.