North, South, East, and West. No matter where I turned, I enjoyed the beautiful views of Dublin and Wicklow.
The countryside, sea, and mountains surrounded me. I had a eureka moment and asked my daughter the all-important question: “Do you think there’s a way to get to this flat path with the views, other than by the route we took?”
“This is the reward, Mum!” she replied.
These beautiful, breathtaking views were my reward for the uphill trudge. As my daughter knows, I love to walk, but I would avoid hills if I could.
The writer of Proverbs says our diligence reaps rewards. Yet often we would rather avoid things like an uphill climb. Walking an uphill path takes more effort than walking a flat one. We may have to push beyond our comfort zones. But when we reach the top, our sense of satisfaction—along with the view—makes the effort worthwhile.
Who wouldn’t like to shed a couple of extra pounds without cutting back on tasty treats? Wouldn’t it be great if we could bypass the exercise regime? On my visits to Spain, I wish I could speak better Spanish, but have yet to study the language.
To improve or learn a skill requires effort and determination. We admire photos of the graduate in cap and gown, but the picture doesn’t show the hours spent preparing. Healthy marriages require cultivation, and friendships require investment. Time invested in our children reaps rich harvests.
Diligence reaps rewards in any area. God can empower us to take the steps we are trying to avoid that will lead us to our goals.
Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might, keeping your focus on the panoramic views awaiting at the top of your uphill climb.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Kate Carroll is a proud Irish woman who loves walking in the outdoors. Much of her inspiration for her writing comes when enjoying the beauty of nature. She also has a passion for young people. Kate has been teaching children and young people truths from God’s Word for nearly thirty years. She writes for both children and adults and has had work published in both categories. Her book The Seeds of Hope offers hope and encouragement. She and her husband have three young adult children and a beagle who has been featured in her writing.