To all the mountains I’ve climbed before…
10 years ago, I went on different adventures every month to experience God’s creation in new ways… climbing mountains was something I frequently did back then. While I miss it, my 30-year-old body will have to train and prepare well if I ever decide to climb one again. In lieu of conquering a mountain, here are mini letters for some of the memorable ones I’ve climbed.
To Mt. Batulao, the first mountain I spontaneously climbed back in high school. We were at a retreat house when the priest invited us to hike with him… Thank you for teaching me that some adventures come at an unexpected time, and yes, I will feel unprepared. But it’s okay… climb and have fun anyway.
To Mt. Maculot, the one where I organized a hike and 20 people joined… Thank you for giving me the opportunity to gather people and experience the beauty of nature together. This climb also made me pray that every person would be safe by the end of the trip.
A film shot of the Taal lake from Mt. Maculot, Cuenca, Batangas.
To my favorites, the ones with a view of the sea on top,
Mt. Tibig,
Osmeña Peak,
Mt. Gulugod-Baboy,
Mt. Hugom,
I hope I could go back and bring new friends who will look at you with fresh eyes.
a panoramic shot atop Mt. Tibig, Lobo, Batangas
To Mt. Pulag where I thought I wouldn’t make it out alive because all my stuff got rained on and it was sooo cold when we camped there. I still have plans of going back so I can finally see a sea of clouds we didn’t get to behold when we went.
To Mt. Daguldol and Mt. Talamitan, special mentions because I climbed these mountains with my childhood best friend.
To Mt. Romelo, Mt. Tabi-tabi, and Dingalan, Aurora, your springs and waterfalls made the hike a lot more refreshing and exhilarating.
To Mt. Tarak, I was burnt out, restless, and running away from something when I conquered your ridge… I even fell and slid on a rocky patch on our way down. Thank you for letting me experience real-time that God catches us whenever we fall, and He pursues us whenever we run away.
Aside from these beautiful landscapes, God has brought me through high peaks and low valleys too (figuratively).
He has carried me out of a muddy pit and gave me strength to get to a breathtaking summit.
I’ve uttered silent prayers with every step up and down difficult climbs. All of it brought me closer to Him.
Psalm 121:1-2 sums it up quite well:
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!
Looking back at all these mountains… all my climbs brought soooo many people together. Men and women who each have their own valleys to conquer, carrying different stories, baggage, hopes, and dreams…with one goal: to get to the summit. I think that’s God’s beautiful design for relationships. We are not designed to go through mountains, hills, and valleys alone.
So, the next time you face a mountain (literally or figuratively), make sure you have people around you who will enjoy the view with you, hold the ropes for you… people you’re ready to do the same for.
