As we embrace the season of Advent, with Christmas rapidly approaching, it’s a timely moment to reflect on the virtue of hope. For fathers and men, the journey of life, much like the intimidating but rewarding paths of mountain hiking, is filled with challenges. The daily grind, family issues, health concerns, and various life stresses can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, it’s in these moments that the true spirit of hope shines brightest.
Finding Strength in Challenges
Remember, every mountain hike begins with a single step. The daunting trails and steep climbs mirror our life’s struggles. Whether it’s work-related stress, marital disagreements, health issues, or the complexities of parenting (teenagers, no less!), each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Reflect on the struggles you’ve already overcome. Think back to those times you thought you couldn’t go on, but you did. These experiences, these ‘hikes’ through tough times, shape us. They remind us that after every uphill climb, there’s a view worth seeing.
Drawing Inspiration from the Psalm
Our logo, featuring a mountain, isn’t just a nod to a love for hiking. It’s also a reflection of the timeless words from the Psalm, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?” In times of trial, looking to the mountains can be a metaphor for seeking strength and hope beyond our immediate circumstances.
Hope often requires that we lift our gaze higher, beyond the chaos of our day-to-day life, to find perspective and strength.
The ‘Thrilla in Manila’ – A Lesson in Perseverance
Muhammad Ali’s epic battle with Joe Frazier, famously known as the “Thrilla in Manila,” offers a vivid illustration of perseverance. Ali, pushed to his limits, kept fighting with encouragement from his corner. In the end, his persistence paid off.
Like Ali, we may find ourselves in the depths of our own personal battles. The pressure can be intense, and the temptation to throw in the towel, real. Yet, it’s in these moments, when we’re pushed to our limits, that our true strength is tested.
Embracing the Season of Waiting and Anticipation
Advent is traditionally a time of waiting and anticipation. It’s a reminder that often, the most meaningful things in life require patience and time. This season, let’s embrace the wait. Let’s look forward with hope to what lies ahead, whether it’s the joy of Christmas, the prospect of a new year, or simply the outcome of the daily struggles we are bravely facing.
A Call to Action: Keeping Hope Alive
So, to my fellow fathers and men, I encourage you to hold fast to hope. When the weight of your responsibilities feels too heavy, when the arguments at home drain you, when your health wavers, or when you face the loss of a loved one, remember the mountain. Remember the view from the top, the strength you’ve gained from every climb, and the help that comes when you lift your eyes higher.
This Advent, and beyond, let’s commit to keeping hope alive. Let’s remember the lessons from the mountains, the wisdom of the Psalm, and the perseverance shown by champions like Muhammad Ali. Our battles may be different, but our spirit of resilience is the same.
As we step into this festive season, let’s carry the torch of hope, not just for ourselves, but for our families, our communities, and all those who look to us for strength and guidance. May this season of hope rekindle the fire within you, fueling you to face your challenges with courage and emerge victorious.
Remember, every mountain conquered, every round fought in the ring of life, adds to our story of strength and hope. Let’s write those stories together.
